Grant Long, the only member of the original Heat still in the league, is going strong for the Memphis Grizzlies, but for how long?

Long, who was drafted 33rd by the Heat in 1988 and played six full seasons in Miami before being traded to the Hawks early in the 1994 season, has started 42 games and is averaging 6.3 points, 2.1 assists and 3.6 rebounds in 28.3 minutes. However, Long will be a free agent after this season and may or may not be in the Grizzlies' long-term plans.

One ominous sign is that another former Heat player, center Isaac Austin, whose career was rescued under Pat Riley (1996-98) but has stalled since, was cut by the Grizzlies recently and reportedly has been working out in Miami.

"At this stage of our first year in Memphis, we must continue to focus on developing our team for a prosperous future by identifying and assessing young, talented players," Grizzlies General Manager Billy Knight said.

Grant, who turns 36 on Tuesday, is three years older than Austin, and is determined to return for his 15th season.

"I haven't even reached that point of evaluating my situation," said Long.

Grizzlies coach Sidney Lowe sounded as if Long could easily slide over into a coaching position if he wanted.

"He's a cagey veteran with an outstanding work ethic on and off the floor," Lowe said.

HOT ROD

Rodney Buford, a former Heat guard who was cut in the preseason, is coming off a 20-point effort in Thursday's win over Indiana. "Buford is in a good position for us," Lowe said. "He needs to do smart things like Grant Long, have a work ethic, come out early and work on your game. This could be his opportunity. It's up to him to take advantage of it."

PYRAMID SCHEME

The Heat played its first regular-season game in the Pyramid, which is indeed shaped like an ancient Egyptian structure. "It looks like a hotel in Vegas," said Eddie Jones, who missed the preseason game here. ...

Riley tried to laugh off Friday's season-high 23 turnovers in the 83-74 loss to Toronto.

"It was Scary Movie IV is what it was," Riley cracked. "Actually, no adjustment could be made. It's an attitude adjustment and an effort adjustment. ... It was disturbing in what was our most important game of the year."

Riley singled out forward Brian Grant (10 points, 14 rebounds) as the only player who hustled.

"Brian had 63 effort [plays]," Riley said. "Twice as many as anyone else." ...

Rookie small forward Shane Battier and teammate Pau Gasol are front-runners for Rookie of the Year honors, but Riley doesn't believe that the former Duke star should be classified as a rookie.

"He's a guy that comes in the league and transcends rookieism," Riley said. "His disposition is of a leader who's no-nonsense and solid fundamentally. Someone told him he's a rookie, but he doesn't play like one."