Wade, Haslem Named Team Captains – LeBron Unfazed

Carlos Arroyo named starter, team captains announced and a surprise guest comes to practice

The leader of the Miami Heat pack won't be LeBron, at least not in title.

Heat players voted Monday to name the team's elder statesmen Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem team captains on the eve of their opening game against the Boston Celtics on the road.

The announcement was probably a little humbling for LBJ, who said afterward it was the first time in forever he wasn't named the team captain. But quickly righting the PR machine, James followed up with an "I'm cool with that."

Heat fans would much rather James do his leading on the court than in the locker room anyway. Last year, Wade, James and Chris Bosh were all their respective teams' captains, but now all the chiefs are a part of the same tribe.

We will follow this development throughout the season to see how each is responding to their leadership roles.

As for Udonis, he gave an emotional speech to the team Monday, telling them about his mother and how she died before she could see the team assembled. Haslem told his teammates to play every night for her. Now that's leadership.

In other news, Carlos Arroyo has been named the Heat's starting point guard, which isn't that much of a shock considering Mario Chalmers' spotty shooting in the preseason.

The team also cut rookies Patrick Beverly and De'Sean Butler to shave its roster, but chances are both will end up with the Heat at some point during the season.

Coach Erik Spoelstra also had a surprise guest to talk to the team Monday - the Larry O'Brien NBA trophy.

James said he didn't even want to look at the thing. D-Wade (not Flash) said he spoke to the trophy. So did Haslem.

"I had a conversation with Mr. O'Brien," Wade said. "'Larry,' I asked him, 'Where have you been?'"

Vacationing in Los Angeles mostly, but hopefully he'll make a home on South Beach come June.

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