Dwyane Wade will miss the Olympics because of knee surgery

Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade will have surgery on his left knee, preventing him from participating in the London Olympics.

Wade gave the news to USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo and Olympic Coach Mike Krzyzewski on Thursday in a phone call.

“I’ve decided to listen to my doctors and get the procedure I need on my knee,” Wade told the Associated Press on Thursday. “USA Basketball said I had to do what was best for me. They want me to be obviously as healthy as possible so I can continue to play this game at a high level. They were very supportive and told me if I ever want to come around the team, I’m welcome and that I’m part of the family.”

The knee surgery is expected to be a “cleanup” procedure. Wade is predicted to only need crutches for about a day following the operation.

Wade’s knee ailed him throughout the postseason. Despite the pain, he played in each of his team’s 23 playoff games. In the Heat’s five-game Finals series against Oklahoma City, Wade averaged 22.6 points, helping Miami win its second NBA championship in franchise history.

If the surgery goes as expected, Wade is expected to be ready to play when Miami’s training camp opens in the fall.

“That’s the way we laid it out,” Wade said. “Hopefully nothing changes. ... I don’t think it’s going to limit me too much.”

Four years ago, Wade led the U.S. Olympic basketball team in scoring, helping it win the gold medal in Beijing. He expressed disappointment that he will not get that opportunity again this year in London.

“The reason I wanted to play this time around was because of the guys, a lot of guys from that team and the camaraderie that we shared — that was special. I’m going to miss that,” Wade said. “And another reason why I wanted to play again is that my sons are a little older this time. They’d have an opportunity to be there, to share in the experience.”

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