Dwyane Wade named All-Star starter, makes Miami Heat history

WASHINGTON -- Another NBA season, another starting All-Star Game starting assignment for Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade.

This time, he made history.

Wade was named to his sixth consecutive All-Star Game on Thursday, the most appearances by a Heat player. Wade's five selections were tied with Alonzo Mourning.

Starting alongside Wade on the Eastern Conference team will be guard Allen Iverson, forwards LeBron James and Kevin Garnett and center Dwight Howard. The West starters are guards Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash, forwards Carmelo Anthony and Tim Duncan and center Amare Stoudemire.

The Feb. 14 game will be played at Cowboys Stadium near Dallas.

``It's always great to be an All-Star and to be voted in as a starter from the fans,'' said Wade, who finished in the top five overall in fan votes. ``It shows your popularity. It's a popularity contest. It's great.''

The process is also controversial, with Iverson receiving more than 1.2 million fan votes despite playing only 19 games so far this season.

Iverson was voted ahead of more productive guards such as Ray Allen, Joe Johnson, Rajon Rondo and Derrick Rose.

``I would never say anything about who the fans love,'' Wade said. ``He's done something to get to that point, where they love him no matter what, and that's a testament to him and his ability for so many years.''

Wade finished fourth overall with 2,327,550 votes, trailing Howard, Bryant and James in total fan votes. In his five previous All-Star Games, Wade has averaged 15.2 points, 3.0 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 2.6 steals.

Wade's popularity remains high despite his decreased production. He is averaging 26.9 points, 6.0 assists and 4.8 rebounds while shooting a career-low 45.7 percent.

The Heat had three other players on the All-Star ballot: forwards Udonis Haslem and Michael Beasley and center Jermaine O'Neal. League coaches will vote next week to determine the 14 reserves.

The Heat is expected to be well represented during the All-Star festivities, with Beasley likely to play in the rookie-sophomore game and Daequan Cook expected to defend his championship in the three-point shootout.