Alphabet Soup: Q in, U Out for Heat
Looks like Pat Riley is going to give Michael Beasley a chance to show his worth
By TODD WRIGHT
Updated 6:15 PM EST, Tue, Oct 27, 2009
So much for loyalty and years of dedicated service.
For the first time in six seasons, Heat forward Udonis Haslem will not be on the floor when the team tips off its first game of the season.
The team announced Tuesday that the rugged power forward will be coming off the pine this season, which probably means aloof problem child Michael Beasley will get the start versus the New York Knicks on Wednesday.
The Heat also penciled newly acquired Quentin Richardson into the small forward position.
"I've been the ultimate team player; I've made the ultimate sacrifice throughout my career. It's just another situation where I've been asked to do it again," Haslem said. "I didn't make that call, so that's nothing I'm going to worry about."
Dwyane Wade, Mario Chalmers and Jermaine O'Neal will likely round out the rest of the starting five, which looks like a finesse team without the inside play and defensive presence of Haslem. Q, who has dropped 25 pounds from a flabby frame, is expected to add some of that hard-nosed defense fans are used to seeing when Haslem is on the floor.
A crowd favorite because he is from Miami, Haslem has made a name for himself in the NBA for making all the hustle plays like taking charges, diving for loose balls and taking the hard foul on the opposing teams star player.
But there are no rewards for all his black and blue marks. Just a warm seat on the bench.
First Published: Oct 27, 2009 4:41 PM EST
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