Playing off the bench exclusively for the first time since he was a rookie in 2003-04, Udonis Haslem isn't merely contributing as much as he did when he was a starter. He's contributing more.

``Right now,'' guard Dwyane Wade said, ``he's probably more effective than he's been in his career because he has accepted the role and knows that's a big role we need for him.''

When Haslem was told before the season he would be coming off the bench, it concerned Wade.

``I was worried about the initial shock of it more so than long term,'' Wade said. ``I knew Udonis would do his job. And he's done a great job. He's a guy who's not going to complain. He actually can be a little more aggressive coming off the bench.''

Haslem is averaging more points (11.8) than he did last season (10.6) and his career average coming into this season (10.0). He's also averaging more rebounds (10.0) than last season (8.2) and his career (8.1). And he's doing it despite averaging slightly fewer minutes -- 32, compared with 34.1 last season.

``I'm real comfortable right now,'' he said of coming off the bench. ``I've never been a person that my ego has gotten in the way of me doing what I have to do to help this team win. We're 5-1. My role is fine. I'm still getting good minutes.

``The biggest adjustment has been defensively,'' he said of guarding small forwards at times, including Denver's Carmelo Anthony for a stretch Friday. ``I've done pretty well.''

Coach Erik Spoelstra said Haslem ``is really showing more of his versatility, showing his ability to guard [small forwards]. Udonis giving us punch off the bench helps. You're bringing a championship power forward into the game.''

Though Michael Beasley (12.0 points, 5.7 rebounds) is starting at power forward, he is averaging three fewer minutes than Haslem.

DEFENSE STRONG

Miami ranks among the league leaders in field-goal percentage against, at 41.6, well below last season's 45.5. Opponents are averaging 90.7 points, down from 98.0 in 2008-09.

Newcomer Quentin Richardson's defense has been ``very, very, very important'' against top perimeter scorers, Wade said. ``Every night, he is going to bring his toughness and guard the other team's best player. He wants that challenge. It's great for this team.''

Richardson said he never has played for a team that emphasized defense as much as the Heat. The difference in approach is ``night and day'' from his experience with the Knicks last season.

``It's not a shot at [Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni], but his strength is his offensive knowledge,'' Richardson said. ``I knew defense was the focal point here, but I didn't know how detailed it was. That was the biggest surprise.''

WRIGHT WAY

Dorell Wright, who appeared in only six games last season, already has played in five of the Heat's first six -- including the four that Daequan Cook has missed. He has 10 points (4 of 9 shots from the field) with six rebounds, four assists, four turnovers, two blocks and a steal in 47 minutes.

Wright missed 49 games last season because of two operations on his left knee in 2008 (in March and November) and wasn't used in 27 other games.

``Everything is coming back,'' he said. ``The rust is off. I had a lot of time to get it off.''

Wright said he has resumed practicing daily ``and that's the key.'' He said he was less effective when he had to miss practice because of the injury.

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