It wasn't enough that Brian Grant was about to begin the grueling adventure that is a season under Pat Riley. The people of South Florida also were expecting great things from the 6-foot-10 teddy bear of a power forward when he first arrived in Miami last summer.

Grant was known for his tireless work in Portland during his three years with the Trail Blazers. Upon his arrival in Miami, many expected the same immediately.

"When I first got here it was like, `Brian, what are you doing in Miami? Brian, what are you doing in Miami?' " Grant said.

"I just didn't have an answer for them."

In Portland, Grant was a regular at the Ronald McDonald House and the Doernbecher Children's Hospital, connecting with ill children and helping raise funds for the organizations. He became the city's favorite son because of his involvement.

But in his second year in Miami, the Brian Grant Foundation still is in the planning stages as Grant tries to find his niche.