EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Jan. 21 (AP) -- New Jersey Nets forward Richard Jefferson will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle Monday.

The team gave no timetable for his return.

Jefferson had been bothered by ankle pain since before the start of the season, and left a game against Miami on Nov. 10 after landing on the foot of Miami's Shaquille O'Neal. He has missed six of New Jersey's 40 games and is averaging 16 points and 4.5 rebounds.

In his most recent game, he scored 17 points in New Jersey's 101-94 win over Orlando on Saturday.


Copyright 2006 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited