MIAMI _ The starting five has been a work in progress for the Miami Heat throughout the preseason. But when it comes to the team's prospects for the upcoming season, five factors appear to outweigh all others.
Five factors that could be the difference between lottery and playoffs.
Between post-parting disorder over the departure of Dwyane Wade or a bridge to a fresh start.
Between taking a long view or savoring these next six months.
Between the good feeling of training camp or the typical dysfunctional of a roster loaded with expiring contracts.
Between the faces who start the season on the Heat roster also being those ending the season on the Heat roster.
The external view is the season that starts Wednesday against the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center will end April 12, the final day of the regular season, when the Heat host the Washington Wizards at AmericanAirlines Arena.
The internal perspective is there is a pathway to something far more fulfilling, a five-step approach, if you will.
