MEMPHIS (Reuters) - Memphis Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay has been ruled out for the rest of the season after having surgery on Friday to repair a partial dislocation of his left shoulder, the team said.

The 24-year-old, who initially hurt his shoulder against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 15, is expected to be ready for the start of the 2011-12 season, Memphis general manager Chris Wallace said in a statement.

The six-foot eight-inch, 240-pound Gay averaged 19.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game this season before being sidelined.

In Gay's absence, the (40-32) Grizzlies have compiled a 9-6 record in their bid to reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2005-2006 season.

(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles; Editing by Patrick Johnston)