Michael Beasley had a message Monday for any skeptics who continue to question his transition from a power game to the Heat's likely starting small-forward job.

``If you don't think I can play it, all I can tell you is sit back and watch,'' Beasley said after practice at AmericanAirlines Arena. ``I don't have a natural position. I'm comfortable on the floor no matter what, if you're asking.''

Beasley, the No. 2 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, is eager to turn doubters into believers when he opens his second season Wednesday against the visiting New York Knicks.

Having played at power forward since he learned the game, Beasley will get a chance to place his improved perimeter skills on display in a likely fast-paced game against New York.

Although Heat coach Erik Spoelstra declined again Monday to reveal his nine-man playing rotation, Beasley is expected to open at small forward after a monthlong apprenticeship at the position during the preseason.

Spoelstra has started the process of informing players of their roles and the playing time they could expect.

Whereas there is no debate in the backcourt and at center -- where Mario Chalmers and Dwyane Wade will start at the guard spots and Jermaine O'Neal in the post -- the forward positions have been a bit dicey. Udonis Haslem is expected to be the starting power forward, but he sat out Monday with a groin strain and is questionable.

Spoelstra said he has made a decision on the first two rotation spots off the bench, with guard Daequan Cook and center Joel Anthony likely to claim those roles. But the eighth and ninth spots remain a mystery, with guard Carlos Arroyo and forwards James Jones, Quentin Richardson and Yakhouba Diawara in the mix.

Those final roles won't be revealed until Wednesday.

``It's not that I'm trying to have a veil of secrecy. I just want the focus right now to be on [working hard] and nothing else,'' Spoelstra said. ``It's a long time in between games and a lot can be filled in players' heads.''

TRUE ROTATION

There's a good chance the Heat's true rotation won't take shape until after the first few games. The Knicks' playing style might force Miami to play a smaller lineup, and Beasley could move to power forward if Haslem is limited or unavailable.

Another factor that could throw off the intended rotation is the lack of depth at center. Anthony missed his second consecutive practice with a calf strain. The Heat will be without reserve center Jamaal Magloire, who begins a two-game suspension for his role in an Oct. 5 scuffle with Detroit's Jonas Jerekbo.

Regardless of which players emerge, there are still concerns from a 2-5 preseason campaign that must be addressed. The Heat ranked near the bottom of the league in rebounding and the offense was inconsistent at best.

``All you want is to be moving in the right direction and, as a team, hope we're getting better,'' Wade said. OFFENSE IS EASY

Another positive sign has been Beasley's steady improvement at his new position. Offense has come easy for Beasley at both spots. Defense is a work in progress.

``I can bring the ball up, run picks, shoot the three, pull up, get to the rim, post up,'' Beasley said as he described his offensive versatility.

Asked, then, about his defensive skills, Beasley smiled and said: ``Everything I just said, but the opposite.''

Join the discussion

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. In order to post comments, you must be a registered user of MiamiHerald.com. Your username will show along with the comments you post. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

     Showing: Oldest first Newest first Most-recommended first Least-recommended first

@Nyx.AuthorDisplayName@ wrote on @Nyx.PostedAtTime@:

@Nyx.repliedToText@

@Nyx.replyAnswerText@

Reply to this Comment @Nyx.Recommender@ @Nyx.AbuseReporter@