Even before Shaun Livingston arrived to add even more intrigue to the Miami Heat's battle at point guard, Marcus Banks figured the odds might be stacked against the contenders already on the roster.

Banks had read newspaper reports suggesting the Heat was in desperate need of an upgrade at the position.

He viewed the Internet posts that mentioned names of potential options the Heat might pursue.

And Banks was aware of Heat president Pat Riley's never-ending push to bolster the depth chart.

''For one thing, you try not to get too caught up in who might come here and who won't,'' Banks said. ``The guys that have been here have been building up until this point, working hard. I've already done a lot of waiting. I really feel this is my time.''

Banks, entering his sixth NBA season, can publicly state his case with his play starting Sunday when Miami opens preseason play against the Detroit Pistons at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Banks, Chris Quinn and Mario Chalmers already had been locked in one of the most competitive position battles in training camp. But Livingston, a 2004 lottery pick who missed last season to recover from a severe knee injury, entered the mix Friday after signing with the Heat.

Suddenly, just when there appeared to be some separation at the position -- with Quinn drawing the most praise from first-year coach Erik Spoelstra -- the picture at the point is murkier.

''It's been a good battle,'' Spoelstra said. ``The group we have right now is in this and ready to go. This is a real intense place to jump into right now. But we'll see what happens.''

CLOSE TO THE VEST

Spoelstra would not reveal Saturday which player will start at point guard against Detroit, nor would he say what his plans are for doling out minutes.

Livingston practiced without limitation Saturday in his first team-oriented workout since dislocating his left kneecap and tearing three ligaments with the Los Angeles Clippers 20 months ago. But he likely will not play against the Pistons, with the Heat planning a methodical approach to incorporating Livingston both physically and within the system.

Livingston practiced with a bulky brace on his knee and is required to wear the device throughout the season as a precaution. Still, he impressed teammates with his combination of size, playmaking ability and quickness.

''He made moves that you probably don't think he can make with that big brace on,'' guard Dwyane Wade said. ``He looks pretty good, and he's going to continue to get more and more confident. But I'm impressed.''

First impressions will be key for the Heat in its exhibition debut. Though the game won't count in the standings, it will carry significant meaning throughout the roster.

The Heat lost all seven of its preseason games last season, which set a frustrating foundation en route to an NBA-worst 15-67 finish. Wade, who has demanded that his teammates carry a sense of urgency into the preseason, said he plans to play at least two quarters Sunday.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The game will offer Heat fans a first look at rookies Michael Beasley, the second overall pick in the draft, and second-round pick Mario Chalmers. And Spoelstra, promoted when Riley returned to a solely front-office position, will make his coaching debut.

But much of the focus likely will be on the point guards.

Quinn, who started 26 games last season, will look to maintain his advantage within the system.

Banks, who arrived with Shawn Marion from Phoenix in the midseason Shaquille O'Neal trade, wants a prominent rotation role that has evaded him in previous stops.

Chalmers, considered the point guard of the future before Livingston arrived, wants to continue his strong play from the summer league.

Livingston hopes to learn the system quickly and eventually work his way into the backcourt alongside Wade.

''It will be pretty quick,'' Livingston said of his transition.

``I'm real instinctive. The offensive sets are pretty simple. Coach Spo does a great job of getting me up to date. I'm working before and after practice.

``And I'm a fast learner.''

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