Why Miami Heat's Haywood Highsmith Deserves More Credit
When you think of valuable contributors to the Miami Heat, rarely do you think of Haywood Highsmith.
The forward returned to the starting lineup on Wednesday after coming off the bench. The Heat fell 128-120 to the Oklahoma City Thunder but Highsmith put on a performance. He scored a personal-best 19 points while making five shots from the arc for the first time in his career.
Highsmith, 27, has been a diamond in the rough this season. He has played as a two-way player in the Philadelphia 76ers’ organization, appearing in five games. He spent two full years outside of the association, including a stop in Germany. Highsmith signed multiple 10-day contracts with the Heat during the 2021-22 season before Miami decided to hold on to the player.
He rarely started for Miami in his first two years but has done so in 16 of 23 appearances this season. His role with the team has gradually increased into the pivotal wing starter he is now.
Wednesday was the first time this season that the Heat have lost when Highsmith scored double-digit points. They were previously 5-0.
Do I expect the 27-year-old to blossom into a new star for Miami? No. But do I expect a player who grinded his way for years into a prominent NBA role to continue to build on his recent success? Yes. Keep an eye out for Highsmith going forward as a three-and-D player who can contribute key minutes to the Heat as they prepare for the playoffs.
Casey Fahrer is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at caseyfahrer716@gmail.com.
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