Let the SF Controversy BEGIN!

Opening night for the Heat was started on the road as the Grizzlies proved to be gracious hosts. They put up a good fight, but eventually bowed to the talent-rich Heat.

But this latest model of the Miami Heat was not as polished as it should have been. There were still a few dents and scratches, but nonetheless, a win on opening night against a possible playoff team is always a good way to start things off. Even Stan Van Gundy, always the most cynical - as such is the position of a head coach - couldn't find a reason to complain. A question was asked about Antoine Walker's shot selection; Van Gundy flashed a smile and quipped that all shots are good when they are going in.

In all seriousness, the Heat is faced with a nice little dilemma. James Posey is going to be out for a few games with a sprained thumb, possibly as much as a few weeks. Scrambling for a solution, SVG started 'Toine at the 3 tonight - betting on more offense. The pundits have all stated that Walker would be better coming off the bench, and even at power forward, his natural position. Well, tonight - if only for one night - Walker proved them wrong.

He set a franchise record for most rebounds on opening night, grabbing 16 and beating Clarence Weatherspoon's old record of 15 (set back on opening night in '99). Walker did more than that though, he was vital to this team's success tonight. He played with great tenacity and energy - for 41 minutes, hit some key three point shots (where he was 4-7), and was overall efficient from the field (10-17) with 4 assists to only 1 turnover.

The key tonight was Walker's ability to create fastbreaks. Not since Lamar Odom, or even Jamal Mashburn, have the Heat had a player at SF that could grab a rebound and push out a fast break. Walker did just that tonight and offers that ability in the future for the Heat.

So tonight, after an ugly but impressive win, the Heat start off the season right. And everyone will start scratching their heads and wondering whether or not Antoine Walker just may be better suited for starting at SF for this team.

Let the controversy begin.