MIAMI — Miami guard Dwyane Wade is out of the London Games, and his Olympic career is over.
Wade, who battled a left knee problem during the playoffs while helping the Heat to the title, called USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo and coach Mike Krzyzewski on Thursday to tell them he would be dropping out of the games due to needing knee surgery.
Wade, a 2004 bronze medalist and 2008 gold medalist, had first told FOX Sports Florida last January the London Olympics would be his last.
“It wasn’t a surprise,’’ Colangelo said in a phone interview with FOX Sports Florida. “We knew it was 50-50 at best (Wade would play), especially with the circumstances regarding the injury. So it was not a surprise. As I told him, he’s making the right decision. He needs to take care of his career …. He needs to be right (with his knee). He wants to fully recover and be ready for the season.’’
Wade’s agent, Henry Thomas, told FOX Sports Florida his client’s surgery will be July 9 and will be performed by Heat team doctor Harlan Selesnick. Colangelo said Wade told him the recovery process will be four-to-six weeks.
Thomas didn't disagree with that, but was told by Selesnick that’s an “optimistic’’ projection, and it’s possible recovery could be longer than six weeks. But Thomas has no doubt Wade would be ready for the start of training camp in late September.
“I've decided to listen to my doctors and get the procedure I need on my knee," Wade said in an interview with the The Associated Press, which first reported he would drop out. “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."
Colengelo said he would welcome Wade to visit Team USA’s training camp, which runs July 6-12 in Las Vegas. However, Colangelo believed that might not be possible due to Wade’s surgery schedule.
Wade, 30, was one of 18 finalists for the final 12 Olympic spots, which must be finalized by July 8. However, Colengelo said he expects the team to be announced late in the day July 7 after Team USA has had two practices with all remaining finalists.
Colangelo said he hasn’t heard of any of the 17 other finalists having decided to not report to Las Vegas by July 5. However, Thomas, who also represents finalist Chris Bosh of the Heat, would not confirm Bosh definitely will play. He said he will have a discussion with Bosh, who missed nine games during the playoffs due to an abdominal strain, about the Olympics on Friday and a decision then is expected to be made.
Colangelo said three finalists — big men Blake Griffin, Lamar Odom and Anthony Davis — all will report July 4 and will go through a workout July 5 with Team USA staff members.
Team USA wants to get a longer look at those guys since they’re on the bubble. Griffin had a knee problem during the playoffs, Odom had a disastrous season with Dallas and Davis, who led Kentucky to the national title last April, is the only finalist straight from college.
Colengelo said Wade’s injury “opens up a spot and an opportunity for somebody else.’’ Colangelo said he has no worries about Team USA’s depth at guard.
“I think that with Chris Paul and Kobe (Bryant) and Deron Williams and Russell Westbrook, we’re in good shape,’’ Colangelo said.
From a roster standpoint, Colangelo isn’t sure yet how he will handle the loss of Wade, who would have been a lock for the team. Team USA could go for another guard, another big man or a defensive specialist.
Guards James Harden and Eric Gordon are among those fighting for Wade's spot. Colangelo offered no guarantees and said both will get an opportunity.
Colangelo said he doesn’t know yet whether Gordon, who becomes a restricted free agent July 1, will miss scrimmages in Olympic camp due to players not being able to sign contracts until July 11. Colangelo expects Williams, who will be an unrestricted free agent and is considered by most a lock for the team, to miss scrimmages until he signs.
Colangelo lauded the Olympic career of Wade, which will come to an end. Wade had made it clear the London Games would have been his finale.
“This is my last run," Wade told FOX Sports Florida in January. "No chance (of another Olympics past 2012). No chance at all. Not a chance."
When asked Thursday about there being no realistic chance Wade would compete in another Olympics, Thomas said, “Yeah, I would say that.’’
Wade told AP he doesn’t believe the injury will cause him any setbacks next season with the Heat.
"That's the way we laid it out," Wade told AP. "Hopefully nothing changes. ... I don't think it's going to limit me too much."
The title Wade won last Thursday was the second of his career. The Heat also won in 2006.
While Wade is out and Bosh’s status apparently remains in doubt, one Miami player definitely will be in London. LeBron James said last Monday he’s fully committed to the Games.
Chris Tomasson can be reached at christomasson@hotmail.com or on Twitter @christomasson
