MIAMI — Michael Beasley rejoined his Miami Heat teammates yesterday following a monthlong stay in a rehabilitation facility to address substance abuse and other issues.

Beasley took part in a voluntary offseason workout and quickly drew rave reviews from coaches, many of whom were able to visit and work with him during the rehab stint. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra personally saw Beasley three times in the past month, and someone from the Heat staff was with the second-year forward daily.

"We want to bring him back to the family, bring him back in here," Spoelstra said. "We're 100 percent behind him."

Beasley, who starred at Kansas State for one season before jumping to the NBA, was not available for comment yesterday. No specifics of his treatment have been offered, with both the Heat and people close to Beasley citing privacy concerns.

The No. 2 pick in the 2008 draft will be with the team when training camp opens officially Sept. 29.

HORNETS

PAUL NOT WORRIED ABOUT FILL-IN REFS

Because of his size, many teams will always try to be physical with Chris Paul.

Yet the 6-foot All-Star guard isn't worried about play getting out of hand if his games are being called by replacement officials.

"No, no," Paul said yesterday. "I don't worry about replacement referees. End of the day, you're reffing the game."

The NBA and its referees union have failed to reach agreement on a new contract and the league announced last week it will begin training replacement officials. Without a new deal soon, replacements will be used when preseason play opens Oct. 1.

The league hasn't begun a season without its regular referees since 1995.

LAKERS

ARTEST: BLAME ME IF L.A. DOESN'T REPEAT

Star forward Ron Artest says that if the Los Angeles Lakers don't repeat as NBA champions, fans can point their fingers at him.

"They won last year, and I'm the new addition. The fans expect to repeat. Everybody in L.A. expects a second ring. And if we don't then, yeah, they should point it right at me, throwing tomatoes and everything," he said.

Artest made the statement yesterday during a visit to San Diego to promote the Lakers' exhibition game against Denver at the San Diego Sports Arena on Oct. 23.

The Lakers open training camp Sept. 29 at their headquarters in El Segundo.

NBA CALENDAR

Saturday — Training camps open for teams competing in overseas exhibitions.

Next Tuesday — Training camps open for all other teams.

Oct. 23 — Preseason ends.

Oct. 26 — Rosters set for opening day.

Oct. 27 — Start of 2009-10 regular season.

Jan. 5 — 10-day contracts may be signed.

Jan. 10 — Contracts guaranteed for remainder of season.

Feb. 12-15 — All-Star weekend, Dallas.

Feb. 18 — Trade deadline, 3 p.m. EST.

April 14 — Regular season ends.

April 17 — Playoffs begin.

April 25 — Early entry deadline.

May 18 — Draft lottery.

June 3 — NBA Finals begin.

June 24 — NBA draft.