After a savvy salary cap maneuver, the versatile sharpshooter battles for a roster spot, offering elite defensive length and lethal floor spacing for a deep Phoenix rotation.
The wing rotation is a standout spot for the Phoenix Suns heading into the 2026-27 season.
One week remains until the campaign kicks off with training camp (as of 9/22), with the wing group being one of the spots on the team with the least concern surrounding it.
One major reason behind this is the simple fact that the returning Haywood Highsmith is likely in the very last rotation spot for head coach Jordan Ott.
Phoenix waived and re-signed the versatile forward a month ago in a savvy salary cap maneuver, although there isn't a guarantee that the 6'5" sharpshooter makes the 15-man roster.
Regardless, follow the value that Highsmith provides the team is he does make the roster below.
What Value Highsmith Provides Suns in 2026-27?
There's a fairly low chance that the 29-year-old cracks Ott's regular rotation this season. He sits behind Dillon Brooks, Miles Bridges, Rasheer Fleming, Ryan Dunn, and Koa Peat at the moment.
Fleming, Dunn, and Peat are all seeking to find footing in the rotation, but each has an upper hand in receiving minutes at the moment.
This doesn't mean that the former Miami Heat swingman doesn't provide positive value on the basketball court.
Perhaps the most crucial point of strength in Highsmith's game is that he isn't a high-maintenance fit in an offense. The veteran is a willing off-ball mover and connector, while also serving as a deadly off-ball spacing threat.
Highsmith's 16-point (4-5 three-point range) performance against the Boston Celtics in a near-victory on March 16 is the best example of this. The forward has an ability to get hot quickly (particularly in the corner), and can positively contribute to the offensive side of the ball outside of scoring.
The other obvious piece of the equation is Highsmith's brilliant defensive prowess. Highsmith owns a wingspan of over seven feet, effectively allowing him to defend guards, smaller wings, and bigger wings alike. This inherently makes him effective in creating chaos in the "margins game", which includes securing 50/50 balls, deflecting basic entry passes, and in adding extra on-ball pressure that subtly disrupts an offensive possession for the opposition.
Highsmith's IQ, work ethic, and shooting skill are all areas that should land him a spot on the final 15-man NBA roster. Time will tell if this becomes the case, but there is a definitive reasoning for the organization to retain the versatile wing.
