The New Orleans Pelicans have revealed that Eric Gordon will miss the start of the pre-season while continuing his recovery from ankle surgery.

The shooting guard, who was restricted last season with ongoing knee problems, underwent an ankle operations in May, and is not expected to feature in an exhibition game for around two weeks.

Head coach Monty Williams told the team's website: "He's ramping up, getting his conditioning back, since he just got his release from the doctors. He's moving toward the type of conditioning he needs to be in.

"I don't want him to go out there full bore and pull a hamstring or something, because he hasn't been going [physically] as long as the other guys have."

The Pelicans face the Houston Rockets in their first pre-season game on Saturday.