Yao Ming likely out next season

(Associated Press) Rockets center Yao Ming will have surgery on his broken left foot next week and will likely miss all of next season, the latest blow to the Rockets' faltering bid to return to the NBA's elite. The team said Friday that there is no timetable set for the return of the 7-foot-6 Yao, a seven-time All Star, but that he is “expected to be available for the team's training camp in 2010.” That camp is in October – 16 months away.The 28-year-old Yao chose a surgery that will involve a bone graft to promote bone regeneration, the team said. He's also hoping to reduce the arch in the foot by realigning and restructuring the bones.“This surgery will allow me to continue my career playing basketball and I look forward to returning to the court,” Yao said in a statement. “I would like to thank everyone who sent me their best wishes. I am very grateful to have the support of teammates, friends and fa...