METAIRIE, La. (AP) — The New Orleans Pelicans say reserve center Alexis Ajinca has had surgery on his right knee and his recovery is expected to take four to six months, virtually ending his chances of playing this season.

The 7-foot-2 Ajinca, whose status was updated by the club on Thursday, has been inactive so far this season while trying to determine if he could rehabilitate patellar tendinitis without surgery.

In October, he received bilateral knee injections, a treatment that was initially expected to sideline him for four to six weeks.

The 29-year-old from France and former French national team member has spent about six seasons in the NBA since 2008, averaging 5.3 points and 3.9 rebounds during stints with Charlotte, Dallas, Toronto and New Orleans.