NEW YORK -- There's nothing indefinite about Antonio McDyess' status anymore.

	McDyess

The New York Knicks' starting power forward will miss the season after having surgery Wednesday on his broken kneecap.

Dr. Norman Scott, who performed the two-hour procedure at Beth Israel Hospital, said the injury would not end McDyess' career.

"He will be able to walk on crutches and put full weight on it later this week,'' Scott said. "We expect him to have a full recovery and be 100 percent by the start of next season.''

The Knicks have applied to the league for a disabled player exception. If granted, they will have 45 days from the date of McDyess' injury -- a deadline of Nov. 25 -- to use that salary cap slot to sign a free agent or acquire a player in a trade who makes no more than $4.56 million.

McDyess, whom the Knicks acquired in a draft day trade with Denver, was injured in an exhibition game last Saturday.

Scott said McDyess will be able to begin rehab following a four-to-six week period when the knee will be immobilized in a cast.

McDyess went down clutching his left knee after dunking with 1:55 remaining in the loss to Phoenix. The injury happened to the same knee that McDyess had surgery on last season, sidelining him for all but 10 games. The Knicks say the two injuries are not related.

In three preseason games, the 6-foot-9 forward averaged 17.7 points and 13.0 rebounds.

The Knicks acquired McDyess and the rights to point guard Frank Williams in June for guard Mark Jackson, center Marcus Camby and the rights to forward Maybyner "Nene'' Hilario.

Williams broke his wrist during a summer league game and has not yet returned to the Knicks.

Camby is out indefinitely following hip surgery last Thursday.