Jason Smith, a 7-footer who plays center and forward for the New Orleans Hornets, will miss the remainder of the NBA season with a right shoulder injury, the team announced on Friday.
On the eve of his 27th birthday, Smith was benched with a torn labrum, Hornets general manager Dell Dumps said, adding that he will undergo surgery early next week to repair the injury ahead of rehabilitation.
Smith played in 51 games for the Hornets this season, averaging 8.2 points and 3.6 rebounds and ranking as the third-most accurate shooter for New Orleans by hitting 49 percent, 167-of-341, from the field.
The Hornets also said forward Anthony Davis is out with a sprained left shoulder and listed as day-to-day, adding to the bad news for a club that is 20-39, level for last in the Western Conference.
Hornets lose 7-footer for remainder of season
