MIAMI -- Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade is expected to miss some time in training camp and preseason games as he continues to recover from offseason left knee surgery.
The Heat are hoping he progresses enough to play in the season opener Oct. 30 against the Boston Celtics in Miami.
Wade had arthroscopic surgery July 9 after his left knee bothered him throughout the 2011-12 season. The initial timeline for his return was four to six weeks, which would have had him back for training camp. But as the Heat assembled for their media day Friday in advance of Saturday's first practice, there were no timelines for Wade.
"We'll just have to see how much he can do," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "We'd like to put him in a position to be able to play regular-season games and be ready for Game 1."
Wade likely will take it easy during training camp the next several weeks, sitting out practices and some games. The Heat are scheduled to play two preseason games in China in mid-October.
"I've been here before, you don't have to go around the block to get next door," said Wade, who had left knee surgery in 2008. "My focus is Oct. 30. I'm not going to be ready for the Finals today."
Wade nursed the balky knee throughout last season, having it drained several times, including during the second-round playoff series with the Indiana Pacers. He averaged 22.1 points during the regular season, his lowest since his rookie season, and played just 33 minutes a game, the fewest of his career.
"I'll get stronger as the year goes on, that is the understanding that I have," Wade said. "Last year I did what I could with what I was dealing with and I didn't do too bad. This year I'm looking to be better."
