Heat’s Wade out for All-Star Game

MIAMI — Dwyane Wade wanted to play in the All-Star Game and wants to be as healthy as possible for the stretch run of the season.

So playing this weekend was deemed an unneeded risk.

The Miami Heat guard announced Tuesday he will not play in the NBA’s midseason showcase, a decision made in an abundance of caution as he continues recovering from his latest hamstring injury. Wade has missed Miami’s past six games and will remain inactive when the Heat close their pre-All-Star schedule in Cleveland tonight.

“I felt like this was best,” Wade said. “I wasn’t going to play much either way. I think with the circumstances, I think the smartest thing to do is let someone else come in and really enjoy the All-Star experience. … I think I owe it to the Heat fans to at least play in a Heat jersey first than go out there in the All-Star Game and play a couple minutes.”

His replacement on the Eastern Conference roster will be Atlanta’s Kyle Korver, who was selected Tuesday by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

Wade said if he had a say in the pick he would go with Milwaukee’s Brandon Knight —a Miami native.

“I think it’d be fitting for a Miami guy to take an honorary Miami guy’s spot,” Wade said. “He’s done a great job of leading that team.”

Wade will still go to New York for All-Star weekend, with a number of events planned with business partners. Also on Wade’s schedule: He’ll host an exclusive spades tournament for NBA players and celebrities, plus a bowling event to raise funds for Game Changer, a sports program created by his Wade’s World Foundation and Sandals Foundation to assist youth in underserved communities.

There will also be league matters to tend to, with Wade committed to attend the NBA Players Association meeting.

“I’m going to listen,” Wade said, “and to let my voice be heard.”