Israel Gutierrez of the Palm Beach Post reports: Heat coach Pat Riley reiterated Monday that his opening night starter at small forward may surprise people.

Upset with the defense from small forward candidates Ricky Davis, Sam Mack and Kendall Gill, Riley has other things in mind.

"That is a major issue because I'm not going to have five offensive players out on the court," Riley said. "We're going to have to find a couple of guys that are going to be stoppers. I made a point a week ago that it might be a big surprise."

Any guesses? Here's a hint: Think orange drink.

That's right, Tephen "Tang" Hamilton has emerged as a candidate to start at small forward. The long-limbed rookie from Mississippi State has played strong defense since returning from a hamstring injury. In Miami's 91-84 loss to the Timberwolves on Monday at the Target Center, the 6-foot-8 Hamilton came off the bench to score 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting, adding four rebounds.

"To me, Tang Hamilton reminds me of the Keith Askins and the Bruce Bowens of the world," Riley said. "He has very good defensive instincts, he's a very smart player, he plays with no fear."