Nikola Pekovic ruled out for 2016-17

Nikola Pekovic's chronically sore ankle and Achilles' tendon will keep him out of action this season, according to Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor.

Earlier this week Wolves President of Basketball Operations and coach Tom Thibodeau said Pekovic, who spent a good bit of the summer in Minneapolis working out, would not be ready for the start of training camp, which is Tuesday. "We were hopeful he would respond well," Thibodeau said. "There have been some good days, but there have been a lot of setbacks as well.''

Taylor said the team's training staff and doctors agreed that Pekovic would not play this season. Pekovic has two seasons left on his five-year, $60 million contract. He is due $12.1 million this season and $11.6 million for the 2017-18 season.

If it is ultimately decided Pekovic will never play again, the majority of his remaining contract would be covered by insurance.

Kent Youngblood