HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets thought they had become championship contenders last summer when they acquired Ron Artest to join Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, a pair of perennial All Stars.

Less than a year later, the Rockets are rebuilding from scratch with no Artest and no idea when McGrady or Yao will play again.

The final blow came yesterday, when Yao announced he would have surgery next week on his broken left foot, a decision that will likely keep him out all of next season. The team said 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."

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 fans as I dedicate myself to making a completely successful recovery."

Yao is due to make about $16 million next season and holds the option of returning to the Rockets for 2009-10.

McGrady, also a seven-time All Star, could be sidelined until next February as he recovers from risky microfracture surgery on his left knee.

Artest? He said at the end of last season that he wanted to stay in Houston — but only if he felt the Rockets had a legitimate chance to win the NBA title. He's now getting ready to play with Kobe Bryant and the NBA champion Lakers after signing a multi-year deal a few days after the start of the free agency negotiating period.