Haywood Highsmith shares invaluable lessons learned from the Miami Heat, shaping his professional approach and playoff experience as he joins the Phoenix Suns.
The Miami Heat have an outstanding track record when it comes to developing overlooked talent, including Haywood Highsmith. Before joining the organization, had minor experience in the league, playing in five games for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2018-19 season. After a couple of years overseas, the Baltimore native found his way back through the Heat.
Highsmith emerged as a valuable role player during his four-year tenure. He averaged 5.5 points on 44.9 percent shooting from the field, 37.5 percent from three-point range, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 213 total games. The veteran forward was traded to the Brooklyn Nets during the offseason, but was waived on Feb. 18, then signed a two-year, $3.8 million contract with the Phoenix Suns.
In his first media session with the team, Highsmith shared the most valuable lessons learned during his time with the Heat.
"The Heat [were] the first real NBA team to give me an opportunity," he said. "I learned a lot there, defensively, work-wise, just how to approach every day to be a pro. I think that's really helped me in the long run. I built some good character around the league and a lot of people respect me. I think just overall, bringing that winning aspect, experience, just knowing how it's going to be each day."
Highsmith views himself as a veteran who can provide leadership to a younger Suns team. They have the 17 youngest age average of 26.4.
The 29-year-old shares a similar trait as five-time All-Star guard Devin Booker: Finals experience. Highsmith was a contributor to the Heat's 2023 historic run.
However, in the present time, he has yet to play a game this season, recovering from offseason right knee surgery. There is no official timetable as to when Highsmith could return to the court. It's a possibility that he could be shut down for the rest of the regular season, just 24 games left on the schedule, and strictly focus on rehab.
The Suns currently have a 33-25 record, seventh in the Western Conference standings. However, it was reported on Saturday that former All-Defensive forward Dillon Brooks sustained a broken left hand and will be sidelined indefinitely. He's having a career season: 20.9 points on 44 percent shooting from the field, 34.3 percent from three-point range, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.
The loss of frontcourt depth could hurt the team's chances of getting out of the Play-In Tournament.
Highsmith was likely a future investment and can deliver a similar impact for the Suns as was done on the Heat, bringing high-quality defense and three-point shooting.
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