Apparently, the future is now for the Heat at power forward.

Michael Beasley, the No. 2 overall pick in last year's draft, is in. Udonis Haslem, a starter the past five seasons and a defensive stalwart on Miami's 2006 championship team, is out.

That's the lineup shake-up that could be in store if coach Erik Spoelstra carries the latest public display into the Heat's season opener against the New York Knicks on Wednesday night at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Haslem confirmed Tuesday that he will be asked to come off the bench and play behind Beasley at power forward, a transition in which the Heat clearly has the future in mind.

``I didn't make that call, so that's nothing I'm going to worry about'' said Haslem, a Miami native who has started all but two games since his rookie season. ``I've been the ultimate team player. I made the ultimate sacrifice throughout my career. This is just another situation where I've been asked to do it again.''

Haslem, 29, is entering the final season of his contract and will be a free agent next summer.

``He has proven his worth as one of those guys teams have to have to win championships,'' said agent Henry Thomas, whose clients include Haslem and Dwyane Wade. ``He will approach his job this season the same way he has always approached it. . . . I think this year Udonis will be put in a position where even more of his skills and leadership will shine through to go along with that tenacity and toughness that he has shown over his first six years. He will continue to be the heart and soul out there."Beasley is entering his second season and, apparently wasn't the type of convincing fit at small forward the team expected. Beasley, who primarily played power forward last season and in his lone college season at Kansas State, worked throughout the offseason and preseason at small forward. He is still expected to play some small forward.

STAYING PUT

But instead of taking the experiment into the season, Miami is on the verge of a different approach. Beasley is expected to start with a group that includes Jermaine O'Neal at center, summer acquisition Quentin Richardson at small forward, Wade at shooting guard and Mario Chalmers at point guard.

Injuries forced the Heat to use six different lineups in seven preseason games. But Spoelstra worked Chalmers, Wade, Richardson, Beasley and O'Neal as the first-team unit in Sunday's public intrasquad scrimmage.

Haslem was with the reserves at power forward before he sustained a groin injury. He plans to play Wednesday. Spoelstra would not divulge his opening-night starting lineup, but also did not rule out key changes.

``A lot of guys will have to sacrifice,'' Spoelstra said. ``When we go over roles, you just have to stay ready. Right now, everybody is ready. As we adjust and fill into our roles, it's got to be all about the team.''

Haslem politely answered questions about the demotion, but also seemed agitated and disappointed. He was surprised by the decision but said he would approach his job with the intensity, focus and toughness he has had since he arrived.

``It is what it is,'' he said. ``At this point in my career, I've learned a lot of valuable lessons. You learn not to worry about things you can't control.''

Richardson started three preseason games at small forward and another at shooting guard. He believes he earned a starting position based on his performance since the Heat acquired him from Minnesota in a deal for Mark Blount.

HELPING WADE

``I'm used to going out there in a position where I can have a big impact,'' said Richardson, a nine-year veteran who spent the past four seasons with the Knicks. ``My job is to spread the floor as a shooter and also to stop the other team's best perimeter player. We can't ask D. Wade to do that for 48 minutes a game.''

Wade appreciates having Richardson's help and experience along the perimeter.

``Q is going to do his job,'' Wade said of Richardson helping to fill rebounding and defensive voids. ``I think it's great with him in the lineup.''

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