Houston Rockets center Yao Ming has decided to undergo surgery on his broken left foot next week, facing the possibility of missing all of next season.

Chinese Yao, highest in the active NBA players standing at 7-foot-6, chose a surgery that will involve a bone graft to promote bone regeneration, the team said.

Yao suffered a hairline fracture in the foot in the third game against Lakers in the playoff of the western conference semi on May 8 and the Rockets initially said Yao would miss only 8-12 weeks.

The surgery, which will be performed next week by Rockets team physician Tom Clanton, will also perform a surgical procedure designed to reduce the arch in Yao's left foot by realigning and restructuring the bones in the foot.

'"This surgical option is similar to the successful procedure used by Cleveland Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas in 2001," said Clanton.

"After much thought and reflection, I have decided to have surgery on my left foot, " said 28-year-old Yao in a statement.

"This surgery will allow me to continue my career playing basketball and I look forward to returning to the court. I would like to thank everyone who sent me their best wishes. I am very grateful to have the support of teammates, friends and fans as I dedicate myself to making a completely successful recovery."

While no timetable has been set for Yao's return to action, the seven-time NBA All Star is "expected to be available for the team's training camp in 2010." That camp is 16 months away.

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said: "Yao and the Rockets conducted due diligence in seeking a number of expert opinions regarding his medical options. The consensus opinion was that he undergo a procedure to heal and realign his foot. We will implement all the resources available to help him make a complete and successful recovery."

Yao suffered a hairline fracture in the foot in the third game against Lakers in the playoff of the western conference semi on May 8 and the Rockets initially said Yao would miss only 8-12 weeks. When doctors re-examined the injury late in June, they found the injury had not healed and had even got worse.

Yao averaged 19.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.95 blocks per game in his NBA career beginning from 2002-2003 season in Houston.

(Xinhua News Agency July 18, 2009)