Minnesota Timberwolves basketball coach Chris Finch is set to undergo knee surgery on May 1 to repair a ruptured right patellar tendon following a sideline collision at an April 28 game, according to an April 30 report from the StarTribune.
The Timberwolves open their conference semifinal in Denver on May 4, and the team is figuring out how Mr. Finch may be able to coach from near the bench, according to the report.
Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley collided with Mr. Finch after Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker shoved Mr. Conley out of bounds. Mr. Conley then grabbed Mr. Finch to prevent from falling, but the coach twisted his right knee in the process.
Following the surgery, Mr. Finch's leg will likely be immobilized, and he would not be able to watch games from the front row due to risk of an additional hit. Mr. Finch might stay in the locker room and communicate with the team from there if he cannot find a safe space near the bench, according to an ESPN report cited by the Tribune.