(Reuters) – Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade withdrew his name from the player pool for the U.S. Olympic basketball team on Thursday because his injured left knee will require surgery, USA Basketball said.

After receiving the diagnosis from the Heat team physician, the All-Star guard, who helped Miami win the NBA title in five games over the Oklahoma City Thunder, informed USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo that he was having the surgery soon and would be unable to compete in London.

“As many people may know, throughout the season, I struggled with a recurring knee issue,” Wade said in a statement. “After the championship game, I visited with my doctors for a round of comprehensive medical tests, and the recent results dictate the need for surgery. “While every part of me wants to be in London, I need to take this time to do what’s best to improve my health and allow me to continue to play the game I love.”

Wade was the U.S. team’s leading scorer in their run to 2008 Olympic gold in Beijing, scoring a game-high 27 points as the Americans beat Spain 118-107 in the Olympic final.

Despite having his knee drained during the NBA playoffs, Wade averaged over 22 points a game during Miami’s championship series triumph over the Thunder.

Wade’s exit from the U.S. squad left 17 players in the mix for 12 spots on the Olympic team following injuries that removed several players from consideration, including Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls and Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic.

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