Timberwolves granted hardship exception, sign Sean Kilpatrick to 10-day deal

Thanks to a rash of recent injuries, the Minnesota Timberwolves were granted a hardship exception Thursday, allowing them to open up a 16th roster spot. 

To fill said spot, the Wolves have signed D-League guard Sean Kilpatrick to a 10-day contract.

Kilpatrick, an undrafted 25-year-old out of Cincinnati, averaged an AAC-leading 20.6 points per game as a senior with the Bearcats last season, on his way to All-America second team honors. He also led the conference in 3-pointers made and attempted. 

Kilpatrick signed a non-guaranteed deal with the Golden State Warriors in October, but was released shortly thereafter. In 42 games between the D-League's Santa Cruz Warriors and Delaware 87ers this year, he's averaged 13.6 points while shooting 34.8 percent on 5.4 attempts from 3-point range. 

Ultimately, the signing seems to have been more about convenience than anything. With Ricky Rubio ruled out against the New York Knicks on Thursday, the Wolves needed a healthy body and quick. Kilpatrick was a mere three-hour drive from Manhattan, according to Wolves play-by-play man Alan Horton, and hopped in his car immediately after getting the call.