Indiana Pacers center Jeff Foster likely will miss the start of the season for the second straight year, this time because of a sore Achilles' tendon.

The 6-foot-11 Foster missed the first 17 games last season after offseason hip surgery.

``It's definitely frustrating sitting and watching,'' Foster said Monday. ``I want to be part of the team.

``But we're a very deep team. After what I went through last year, I've come to realize there's no reason for me to be injured for any portion of this year beyond getting healthy here in the beginning.''