Heat guard Dwyane Wade will not play in All-Star Game

MIAMI (AP) — 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 today 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 last six games and will remain inactive when the Heat close their pre-All-Star schedule in Cleveland on Wednesday night.

"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 selected by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.