Walton to Undergo Surgery, Miss Season

Bill Walton, reserve center for the Boston Celtics, will undergo surgery on his right foot and ankle and will miss next season, club officials said Monday.

The surgery to relieve the pressure that has caused stress fractures in his foot will be performed today in Los Angeles by Dr. Tony Daley and Dr. William Wagneron. Walton underwent similar surgery on his left foot and ankle in 1981.

Walton, 36, played only 10 regular-season games for the Celtics last season after missing the first 61 with an inflamed right ankle. He played in 12 playoff games, 7 after learning his right navicular bone was fractured.

“We want to make sure that we’re doing this the best way, the most effective way,” Celtic General Manager Jan Volk said, “so that he’ll be back and able to play consistently next year--not this coming year, but the year after.”