It will be sink or swim for Caron Butler this season.

CAN THE BUTLER DO IT?
Pat Riley hasn't given meaningful minutes to a rookie since Vlade Divac in 1989-90, but this season he'll give Caron Butler a shot for one simple reason -- he has no choice. Zo's done, the PG situation's shaky and neither Brian Grant nor Eddie Jones has shown the ability to lead. That opens the door for Butler, who vows to make the teams that passed on him pay. Our vow? No one pays attention to Butler or the Heat past New Year's Day.

STARTING FIVE
Players out of position (Grant). Underachievers (Jones, Grant). Inexperience (Allen, both Butlers). They should change the team name to Tepid.

Atlantic Division

1. Nets

2. Magic

3. Celtics

4. Wizards

5. Sixers

6. Heat

7. Knicks

Scouting Report Index

Malik Allen, PF: Just 12 games of experience, but who else is there?
Caron Butler, SF: Often the second-best Butler in camp (behind Rasual)
Brian Grant, C: Once upon a time, this guy was something special
Eddie Jones, SG: Remember when he was supposed to be the final piece?
Anthony Carter, PG: Until vet Travis Best takes his job

BENCH
LaPhonso Ellis? Vladimir Stepania? Besides Travis Best and Rasual Butler, the Heat starters should sue for lack of support. Until Best starts, he'll provide a spark.

GLOBAL VIEW
Stepania (Georgia): 285 points. Previous three years combined: 284.

FREEWHEELIN' WITH WALTON
Riley's challenge: be the artist who creates something out of nothing.

This article will appear in the November 11 issue of ESPN The Magazine.