Samaki

Walker

Walker will have a chance to practice with the first time at power forward while Caron Butler is out. The Heat plan to employ a starting lineup of rookie Dwayne Wade at point guard, Eddie Jones at shooting guard, Lamar Odom at small forward, Brian Grant at center, and Butler, when healthy, at power forward.

Walker hasn’t yet been cleared to practice because of a broken left arm/wrist.

Unless he is 100 percent, Walker will probably begin the year on the injured list.

The player who separates himself from the pack will be a starter until Caron Butler returns in early November. When that happens, Lamar Odom will shift back to power forward, where he will be backed up by either Samaki Walker, Malik Allen, Udonis Haslem, or Cherokee Parks.

No word on Walker’s status.

Walker’s broken left wrist still is not completely healed. ''You could still see a little line there [in the X-ray], but it’s good enough to where I can play,’' said Walker, who expects to play Thursday.

Walker’s back is causing pain his arm and hand. He might be placed on the injured list after Caron Butler returns.

Walker will continue to seek medical opinions for the proper treatment of his ailments.

Walker figures to battle Malik Allen for minutes at power forward.

Walker lost control of his vehicle in Ohio on July 9 and suffered minor injuries after the vehicle rolled over. His arraignment is scheduled for July 30.