The MVP of last year's NBA Finals, Wade was a vital cog in the Miami Heat's title winning side.

However, he has endured a tough summer, experiencing disappointment as the USA lost in the semi-finals of the FIBA World Championship to Greece, and now seeing his pre-season interrupted by pain that will not go away.

An MRI this week came back negative, meaning Wade still does not know exactly what is wrong.

"It was a relief, because there's nothing serious I have to do with my hand," Wade told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

"But it's also disappointing, because there isn't much I can do. I've got to pretty much wait and do therapy and hopefully the pain will go away."

With starting point guard Jason Williams already set to miss the start of the season following knee surgery, the Heat can ill-afford to lose Wade, but the prospect of time away from the team remains.

"Right now we're going to do the therapy and give it enough time," he said, "and if it doesn't calm down in enough time, then shut it down for a little while."

However, coach Pat Riley has downplayed the situation, and expects to have Wade back soon.

"You have to remember, he hasn't had any treatment for the last month, and now he's getting treated, treated, treated," Riley said. "It's nothing other than an inflammation."

The Heat's NBA season begins against Chicago on October 31.

PA Sport