Korver to replace Wade in NBA All-Star Game

Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade will pass up playing in Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game because of a strained right hamstring and Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver will take his place as an Eastern Conference reserve, the league announced Tuesday.

Korver, considered one of the best shooters in the league, is the fourth Hawks player in the All-Star Game, tying a record.

The All-Star appearance will be the first for Korver, who at age 33 years, 11 months is the fourth-oldest first-time All-Star in NBA history.

The 12-year veteran is on track to set league records for shooting in a season at 51.6 percent from the field, 52.8 percent on 3-pointers and 92.0 percent at the free throw line. Korver is averaging 12.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.67 assists this season.

Wade, an 11-time All-Star, has missed the Heat’s past six games and is not scheduled to play Wednesday night when Miami is at Cleveland in its final action before the All-Star break. Wade’s last appearance in a game was Jan. 27.

A three-time NBA champion, Wade had a string of 10 straight All-Star appearances and was named the MVP of the 2010 game. He said he will go to New York to participate in some of the weekend All-Star activities.

The Heat hope Wade will be ready to return when they face the New York Knicks on Feb. 20 in their first game after the All-Star break.

In 35 games this season for the Heat, Wade is averaging 24.2 points, 6.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game.