Knicks' Gallinari to undergo back surgery

NEW YORK, April 3 (UPI) -- New York Knicks rookie forward Danilo Gallinari will undergo surgery for lower back pain and need up to two months to recover, the team announced Friday.

Donnie Walsh, Knicks president of basketball operations, said the surgery will be performed Tuesday.

The procedure, a laminotomy, which involves shaving the bony plate around a nerve root, will be performed by Dr. Patrick O'Leary, a spine specialist, at New York's Hospital for Special Surgery.

Gallinari is expected to have a full recovery in six to eight weeks, Walsh said.

The Knicks drafted Gallinari with the sixth overall pick in 2008. He averaged 6.1 points and 20 rebounds per game in 28 games this season.