BOSTON (CBS) — Earlier this week, Jared Sullinger was not named to the NBA’s rookie team for the Rising Stars Challenge, but that proved to be the least of the forward’s problems.

Sullinger will not play for the rest of the season due to a back injury, the team announced Friday. Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski reported the news first.

The Celtics said that Sullinger underwent lumbar disc surgery and is expected to be able to return in time for training camp of the 2013-14 season.

Sullinger left Wednesday night’s game against the Kings due to back spasms.

The Celtics activated Fab Melo for Friday night’s game against Orlando.

There were well-publicized concerns about Sullinger’s back problems coming out of college last year, which allowed the Celtics to be in position to draft him at No. 21 overall. He has averaged six points and 5.9 rebounds in 45 games this season.

Melo was drafted at No. 22 overall and has yet to make his NBA debut.