Story highlights Cleanthony Early was robbed around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, police said

The forward didn't see much playing time this year

(CNN) The New York Knicks' Cleanthony Early was robbed and shot Wednesday morning in Queens, police said.

Early was shot once in the left leg and was taken to Elmhurst Hospital Center in stable condition, authorities said.

Based on preliminary information, police said it appeared Early had just left a gentleman's club around 4:30 a.m. when three vehicles surrounded the taxi he was in and a group of people -- at least one of whom was armed -- ordered him to get out of the vehicle.

The Knicks' Cleanthony Early.

Early handed over his gold chains before he was shot, police said.

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