MIAMI — Without much thought, Udonis Haslem started reciting a long list of players who are good enough to be NBA starters yet come off the bench.
He’s now one of them.
Haslem is out of Miami’s starting lineup for the first time in six years, paving the way for Michael Beasley to open at power forward.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra announced the team’s starters Wednesday: NBA scoring champion Dwyane Wade and Mario Chalmers at guard, Jermaine O’Neal at center, Quentin Richardson at small forward and Beasley.
Spoelstra called it a “difficult and uncomfortable” decision.
“I understand where he’s coming from,” Haslem said. “I’ve been behind him and this organization 100 percent since I’ve been here, and this is another situation where I’m behind him again. My role is going to be different, but pretty much still the same.”
Haslem averaged 10.6 points in 34.1 minutes last season.
Iverson sits out opener
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Grizzlies will have to wait awhile longer for the debut of veteran guard Allen Iverson.
Iverson, the Grizzlies’ highly publicized free-agent signing, was listed as inactive Wednesday night for the season opener against his former team, the Detroit Pistons.
Iverson is still recovering from a partial left hamstring tear he suffered early in the preseason.
Footnotes.
Utah Jazz guard- forward Kyle Korver is recovering from surgery in New York to remove a bone spur in his left knee.
• The Orlando Magic waived reserve Linton Johnson III.
• The San Antonio Spurs exercised the option on guard George Hill’s contract for next season.
• Defensive stopper Thabo Sefolosha signed a four-year contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
• New Jersey Nets forward Jarvis Hayes left the season opener against the Timberwolves with an injured left hamstring.
• Tim Hardaway’s No. 10 has been retired by the Miami Heat. It was raised to the rafters before the game.
“I stand before you truly humble and grateful,” Hardaway said. The Associated Press
