Knee surgery looms for Walker

Washington Bullets forward Kenny Walker likely will face arthroscopic surgery on his left knee after being examined yesterday.

Walker hurt his knee early in training camp, missed the final workouts at Shepherd College, and visited Dr. Steven Haas yesterday.

Walker did not accompany the team on its trip to Akron, Ohio, for tonight's preseason opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Mitchell Butler also stayed behind, after having his left knee examined. Butler's status will be evaluated in a week.

Also, forward Tom Gugliotta dislocated a finger on his left hand during practice, and is doubtful for tonight. Forward Don MacLean turned his left ankle, but is scheduled to play.

* The Bullets cut 5-foot-10 point guard Curt Smith. The Washington, D.C., native played at Drake and was the 1993 Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year. He's the younger brother of former Boston Celtics guard Charles Smith.