by Chris Haynes / @ChrisBhaynes
Wesley Matthews of the Portland Trail Blazers has decided that he will not compete in the “South Florida All-Star Classic” at Florida International University on October 8 hosted by Miami Heat All-Stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, according to a source.
Matthews was scheduled to be one of the few players securing a spot in the event with his ties to Dwyane Wade, but a source told SLAMonline that it was always up in the air and it was going to be a game time decision if he played or not.
This exhibition garnered so much interest from NBA players that some had to be turned down. James, Wade or Bosh didn’t want to create a 15-man roster that would open the door to a lack of playing time.
Matthews’ departure opens up a roster spot for the either of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ first-round picks, Kyrie Irving or Tristan Thompson, who were reported to be participants on the waiting list.
