<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">MIAMI ? With guard Jason Williams out until mid-November, somewhat to the dismay of coach Pat Riley, the Heat will open the season with Gary Payton at point guard and Dwyane Wade at shooting guard. But problems could exist beyond that, because when Payton starts Miami has no proven backup at either guard position. It's a situation caused partly by Williams' decision to delay surgery on the patella tendon in his right knee until July 23. The Heat, which clinched the NBA title June 20 and had its championship parade June 23, would have preferred for Williams to have his surgery around that time. "We encouraged him to do it, and I know what it's like to have surgery," Riley said. "I think he was reluctant." Had Williams had his surgery a month earlier, he could have been ready for the Oct. 31 season opener. But the Heat isn't blaming this situation on Williams. Miami failed to sign a guard during the off-season, a position it targeted as a need. Because of that, it appears Miami will wait for a veteran to be cut from another team. Even re-signing veteran swingman Shandon Anderson, who can defend shooting guards, wouldn't provide immediate help for the Heat. "We have offered him a contract and he's not physically ready," Riley said of Anderson. "We learned he has a wrist problem and from what the doctor said, and it's a four- to six-week problem, so right now everything's on hold." In the meantime, third-year guard Dorell Wright, the Heat's first-round pick in 2004, will get a look during exhibition season to see if he can do the job at backup shooting guard. Wright had a strong showing in the summer league and knows this is a prime opportunity. "Dwyane has told me a few times if we're going to win something again I'm going to have to be a big part of it," Wright said. "I'm going to have to go out there and defend, rebound, do all those things, and hopefully I can show coach I'm ready to play." Wright's development in the exhibition season will be crucial. Wade is still bothered by a sore right hand and said he'll have an MRI sometime before Monday, when the Heat leaves for San Juan, Puerto Rico, for its exhibition opener Tuesday against Detroit. Wade said he's taping and padding the hand. As for the 38-year-old Payton, playing heavy minutes early in the season might not be too worrisome. He played 81 games last season and still had enough steam for the playoffs.</div> Source
