A: But with the Heat in a transition mode, this is as much about the future as the present. Dion has a contract with an opt-out after this season and almost assuredly will do just that, after having to step back in salary this offseason. By contrast, Richardson not only has another minimum-salary year on his contract beyond this season, but also will then have full Bird Rights going forward. So, yes, you easily could make a case of Waiters being more polished at this stage, but the long view is one that has to matter, as well. As it is, Richardson does not appear close enough from his offseason knee issue to be back for the first few games of the regular season, anyway. So it's not as if there are many other options than to start Waiters the opening week, anyway. For now, you ride Waiters and see how the chemistry works, then consider the best way to assure Richardson of minutes. With a small-ball approach that occasionally will have Justise Winslow at power forward, there should be plenty of minutes available for both Waiters and Richardson.