5 Takeaways From Miami Heat Season Opener

Head coach Erik Spoelstra had an intriguing starting five with Norris Cole at point guard, Shawne Williams at the three spot and Luol Deng at power forward. You can’t argue with the results, but expect Spoelstra to tinker with a handful of lineups throughout the season. New offseason acquisitions Danny Granger and Shannon Brown didn’t even hit the hardwood.

Surprisingly, the Heat's bench may be deeper and stronger than many had first anticipated. In the 107-95 victory over the Wizards, the role players contributed 22 points and 15 rebounds. Like I mentioned earlier, those stats do not include the likes of Granger or Brown. It’s only the first game, but you have to like the depth potential this team has.

While the sidekick to James, Dwyane Wade faced heavy ridicule over his crumbling knees and stumbling production. Now that “King LeBron” has moved on with his life, it seems Wade has found some rejuvenation. He had 21 points and two steals, numbers that will do the Heat just fine if produced consistently.

Chris Bosh was not only a different player, but a different man when he played alongside James. Not only did he seem like that odd middle child or third brother, but his numbers saw career lows. However, now the big man has something to prove -- he can be the leader. Bosh started off on the right foot, leading the Heat with 26 points and 15 rebounds. The aggression was there, and hopefully it will stay.

Miami could have easily taken the low road and hit rock bottom after James high-tailed it back to the Cleveland Cavaliers. South Beach could have had a bonfire of No. 6 jerseys and Heat Nation could have sulked in a pile of their own self-pity. Instead, the team and community walked out of the smoldering wreckage and kicked off the post-James era with a win. Plus, all the bandwagon fans are gone. Well, most of them.