Chase Budinger Cleared For Full-Contact Practice
The Wolves announced that forward Chase Budinger has been cleared for full-contact practices beginning tomorrow. This is good news considering that Budinger was supposed to be a big part of this team’s rotation.
Before Wednesday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Budigner seemed excited to be back, but still has no timetable on his return.
“No idea, no idea. We are just going to take it practice by practice,” Budinger said. “I just need to get through my first practice and see how it goes.”
His first practice will likely be tomorrow before the team heads to Los Angeles to play the Lakers and Clippers on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
“We’re just going to practice tomorrow and in between the other games and some time off,” said head coach Rick Adelman. “At least he can get out there and we can get some work done on the floor and see how his knee responds.”
Budinger underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Oct. 1, the second surgery on that knee in a year. Because of that, the wing said that he’ll likely be conservative this time around when it comes to returning.
“Yeah, this is my second surgery, same knee, less than a year, so, you know, I am being more cautious about it, more careful, just making sure everything goes right,” Budinger said.
The team has a three-day break with no practice or games on Dec. 23 to the 25. Budinger plans on heading back to San Diego, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be resting. He intends to keep working, hoping to get back into game shape while feeling comfortable with his knee.
He joked that he needs to get back soon not only to help his team, but because of his limited wardrobe.
“I don’t have enough (suits) left, man,” Budinger said. “I don’t have enough combinations to keep wearing, so I’ve got to get out of that suit quickly.”
With Budinger’s first practice being tomorrow, check back into Timberwolves.com for a full report.