Doc Rivers said prior to Tuesday night's opener against the Heat that Miami deserves to be hyped and talked about heading into the season.  

The Heat made waves this summer by signing LeBron James and Chris Bosh to play alongside established star Dwyane Wade.

"I understand it. Everybody should be talking about it, but it's not our concern," Rivers told reporters. "We don't care about it, but they deserve to be talked about. Listen, this has never happened so we should be talking about it."

Rivers was referring to the trio of Wade, James and Bosh, who all came into the league together in 2003. Even before they stepped out onto the court together, the new-look Heat were showered with tremendous expectations.

"I think you have to embrace expectations," Rivers added. "I've been on the other side and I'll take expectations all day."