Wolves lose Webster 4-6 weeks

The Timberwolves spent much of the preseason trying to figure out how to spread minutes among a deep group of shooting guards. Suddenly, now coach Kurt Rambis is trying to figure out who will be healthy enough to play in Wednesday's season opener.

Martell Webster won't be, after he underwent a microdiscectomy Monday morning. The procedure, designed to ease his recurring back pain, was performed by Dr. James Schwender at TRIA Orthopaedic Center in Bloomington. Webster has said he has had problems with the back since last spring, when, while playing for Portland, he was undercut in a playoff game against Phoenix.

There is no official timetable for his return, but the typical time needed for this procedure is four to six weeks.

Wolves coach Kurt Rambis said he thought Webster might have flourished in a sixth-man role, and was certain to get major minutes.

"He was doing such a great job coming off the bench," Rambis said. "We liked so many things he did at both ends of the floor. It was hard to put him in a starting position, because we liked the energy and production he gave us off the bench. I've always felt it is harder to play off the bench than be a starter."

Meanwhile, first-round draft pick Wes Johnson continues to be hampered because of a sore hamstring. He took part in most of practice Monday but isn't certain for Wednesday.