Henry Walker, James Ennis, Michael Beasley, Tyler Johnson, Zoran Dragic and Udonis Haslem. That is a complete list of the players who recorded minutes for the Miami Heat in their last regular season game.

A lot has changed over the summer. Of the six players listed, only three are still on the Heat’s 15-man roster. Of those three, only one (Udonis Haslem) played in Miami’s season opener against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night — an opener where the Heat played ten different players (all double digit minutes) and used fifteen different lineups.

Like I said, a lot has changed.

The team we saw play on Wednesday night certainly didn’t look like the same Miami Heat from last season. A long summer of resting and retooling seems to have done the team some good. The new-look Heat looked ready to take on the league, with a performance that has given fans some newfound hope after a 104-94 win.

At times the team looked sloppy, giving up a big 20-point lead late in the game. However, despite these struggles, one major positive shined through: Depth.

It wasn’t a perfect game. Miami went on some inspiring runs and went through some learning droughts. Young center Hassan Whiteside failed to meet high expectations in his first game of the season. At times the team looked sloppy, giving up a big 20-point lead late in the game. However, despite these struggles, one major positive shined through: Depth.

Miami was able to use their new-found balance and depth to wear down the opposing Hornets and come away with a victory. Whether it was newcomer Gerald Green drilling five three-pointers or rookie Justise Winslow providing a vigorous style of defense, the Heat received contributions from all over and it should inspire a brand of confidence in the team moving forward.

Sure, it may have only been one game, but a lot can be told about what to expect from this team as the season unfolds. The depth should continue to spark a huge positive as long as the team isn’t decimated by a flurry of injuries again.

Coach Erik Spoelstra used 15 different lineups in the opener, but he hasn’t even scratched the surface when it comes to all the combinations still left at his disposal with Chris Anderson, Tyler Johnson, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Josh Richardson all DNP’s. What’s obvious is Miami has a multitude of versatile players on its roster that will allow them to win in a number of ways.

Spoelstra used 15 different lineups in the opener, but he hasn’t even scratched the surface when it comes to all the combinations still left at his disposal.

They can play big or small, depending on the match-up, and the number one option on offense could change from night-to-night. But amid all those details, the biggest highlights from Wednesday stood out from a reinvigorated bench.

Winslow had a remarkable debut and showed some glimpses of what fans can expect from him as the season moves on. His ability to guard multiple positions, including point guards, is quite impressive and just increases the lineup possibilities for Spoelstra. Winslow played an intelligent floor game overall, doing everything the team needed of him without forcing much of anything.

His maturity and poise was reflected in his stat line. The 19-year-old prospect recorded 5 points (he only attempted two shots, a dunk over three defenders and a three-pointer), 7 rebounds, and 2 assists and was +26 in 25 minutes of action.

Winslow could be a major X-factor for the Heat this year if it wants to contend for an Eastern Conference title.

While his stats may not jump right at you, he played his role perfectly which is rare for 19-year-old in his first NBA game. If he can continue to play selflessly and intelligently as he works on his game and improves, Winslow could be a major X-factor for the Heat this year if it wants to contend for an Eastern Conference title.

Green, one of Miami’s two free-agency acquisitions, is going to be a roller coaster role player this season. His shot selection can be downright atrocious, but when he’s hot, it doesn’t really matter. There is bound to be nights where Green’s shot goes cold and he’s unplayable, but hopefully those games are few and far between. Because when Green is in a hot streak, he becomes the perfect offensive spark off the Heat’s bench and arguably the team’s best shooter. ‘The Gerald Green Experience’ shall be an interesting one.

Because when Green is in a hot streak, he becomes the perfect offensive spark off the Heat’s bench and arguably the team’s best shooter.

Udonis Haslem has been around forever. As his long NBA career reaches its final chapter, he’s looking to contribute in any possible way he can. He probably won’t play as large of a role on the team as the previous two players mentioned, but he can be an invaluable part of Miami’s deep bench just through his veteran leadership.

Most NBA teams need a Haslem at the end of their bench, and Miami is highly fortunate to still have his presence surrounding the franchise.

He shouldn’t be called on to play every night — and he probably won’t be able to — but if he can come in every once in a while and play his visceral style of defense along with his trademarked baseline jump shots, he can also be a significant part to this team’s success. Most NBA teams need a Haslem at the end of their bench, and Miami is highly fortunate to still have his presence surrounding the franchise.

Their roster is reloaded with talent from top-to-bottom and if they can somehow stay unscathed, they should see a major improvement over the meltdown that was last season. How the starters perform will obviously play a monumental part towards the team’s success, but having a reliable second-unit is going to be a game changer for Miami if they wish to advance far in the postseason and give ‘LeBron James & Company’ a serious threat.