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(Sports Network) - Once one of the NBA's most bitter rivalries, New York vs. Miami doesn't offer the same kind of cachet these days, but some of those old feelings may be back tonight when the two teams hit the hardwood.

A key component in the old rivalry, Heat guard Tim Hardaway, will have his No. 10 raised to the rafters at AmericanAirlines Arena in the season opener for both clubs.

Hardaway, who will be joining former All-Star center Alonzo Mourning as the only Heat player to have his number retired, and Miami suffered three straight playoff exits against the Knicks from 1998-2000 with each series going down to the final game.

The current version of the Heat had a nice little comeback season last year behind a healthy Dwyane Wade. Erik Spoelstra's club topped its 2007-08 win total by 28 games, finishing with a 43-39 mark and making the playoffs a year after registering the NBA's worst record.

Wade was a one-man show, compiling an MVP-type season after struggling with injuries the prior two years. The Olympic gold medalist led the league in scoring at over 30 points per game while stuffing the stat sheet with 7.5 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 1.3 blocks a game.

You would expect Wade's young teammates like point guard Mario Chalmers and forward Michael Beasley to improve incrementally but counting on the oft- injured Jermaine O'Neal at center and enigmatic Beasley in the frontcourt could be disastrous.

Beasley had a tumultuous summer and checked into a Houston rehab facility as part of the NBA's substance abuse program to address concerns over his mental state and drug abuse.

Pictures and messages on Beasley's Twitter account showed the former Kansas State star showing off a tattoo on his back in front of a mirror with two bags on either side which were rumored to be filled with marijuana. The latter reportedly saw Beasley writing that life was not worth living.

A mature and hard-working Beasley would prove to be a dangerous addition to Wade. The only question is whether the young star, who averaged 13.9 points and 5.4 rebounds as a rookie, can keep his nose clean.

The Knicks, meanwhile, are stuck in rebuilding mode with an eye on the much- ballyhooed 2010 free agent class that could include LeBron James and Wade.

New York hasn't won a playoff game since 2001 and hasn't reached the postseason since 2004.

Team president Donnie Walsh knocked off $27 million of 2010-11 payroll in two separate trades in the offseason and is counting on the development of two players to make New York competitive this season, third-year wingman Wilson Chandler and second-year forward Danilo Gallinari.

Power forward David Lee, a terrific rebounder, is also back after signing a one-year deal this summer as is dynamic guard Nate Robinson.

Miami took two of its three games against the Knicks last season and the two teams have split their last six meetings in South Beach.