Before training camp began, it was assumed rookie Ernest Brown would play the role Duane Causwell did last season for the Heat: the 7-footer most capable of filling in at center when necessary.

But after missing the first two weeks of camp with a dislocated thumb and watching the emergence of Sean Marks, it looked like Brown could end up playing the role Todd Fuller did last season: the 7-footer who never played.

With his thumb healed, though, Brown finally is getting his chance to impress the coaching staff and possibly earn regular-season playing time.

"Right now I'm not really thinking about it," Brown said. "If I just go out there and play, eventually everything will take care of itself. I just really have to get accustomed to the defense."