THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
MIAMI - Dwyane Wade's team is struggling. But his popularity is still soaring.
The Miami Heat standout will start at the Feb. 17 All-Star Game in New Orleans, thanks to 1,608,260 fan votes - easily the most among Eastern Conference guards. It'll be Wade's fourth straight trip to the NBA's midseason showcase.
"Anytime you're named as an All-Star, or you even get on the ballot as an All-Star, you feel grateful. You feel thankful," Wade said Thursday before the Heat - who have the worst record in the East - hosted the San Antonio Spurs. "To have the opportunity to be a starter once again will be great for me."
The Heat entered Thursday on a 14-game losing streak, the second longest in franchise history, but Wade's numbers still rank among the league's best. He came into Thursday averaging 25 points and 6.8 assists for Miami, which took an 8-32 record into the game with the Spurs.
But Heat coach Pat Riley was pleased to see that the fans still recognize Wade's brilliance.
"His injuries and our record this year, that doesn't have anything to do with those things," Riley said. "The fact that he's been playing hurt and has been playing the way he's been playing all year, he's right there with the elite players. The record doesn't deter that."
Wade always looks forward to All-Star weekend - he won the skills contest there last year. But this time, the trip carries a little extra meaning.
If nothing else, it's a break from the monotony of this dismal Heat season.
"It'll be the first enjoyment in a while," Wade said. "Being an All-Star, it's amazing to be there with the other great players around the league. It's a special weekend. Everyone makes you feel so special. It'll be great, and it totally takes your mind off your season."
Wade will be joined in the East starting lineup by Boston's Kevin Garnett, Cleveland's LeBron James, New Jersey's Jason Kidd and Orlando's Dwight Howard.
