Timberwolves center Al Jefferson underwent season-ending knee surgery three weeks ago and vowed on Wednesday that he'll return better than ever.

He's only in the first stages of his rehabilitation, but already plans to be ready for the start of next season after tearing his right ACL.

"I will be playing at the beginning of next season," Jefferson said. "I'm just going to take my time with training camp and preseason, but there's no doubt in my mind I'll be ready to go next season."

He's been on a strict diet and lost some weight since the procedure, and isn't worried about the knee limiting him in the future.

"That's why I'm out here busting my tail now," Jefferson said. "I'm not going to even think like that. It's not going to limit me. I've seen guys have way worse knee surgery than I had and come back better than ever. I'm going to be one of those guys."