Miami Heat: Haywood Highsmith can help fill P.J. Tucker-sized hole

We’ve seen some exciting finishes to this year’s NBA Summer League and on Wednesday night, the Miami Heat would fall just short, 71-75, to the Philadelphia 76ers. In a matchup that came down to the final minute, the Heat maintained their defensive focus by forcing turnovers and creating fast break opportunities.

While there were valiant efforts from Javonte Smart, who led all Miami scorers with 20 points (on 26 field-goal attempts), and Orlando Robinson, who added a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, the Heat’s inability to consistently score in the halfcourt would cost them the game.

But despite Wednesday’s four-point loss, Miami’s summer extravaganza has had some positive appeal to it. And a lot of that has come from the presence of Haywood Highsmith.

Before their Summer League schedule had begun, it wasn’t exactly clear where Miami’s offensive productivity would come from on the circuit. In comparison to last year’s group that featured Max Strus, Gabe Vincent, and Omer Yurtseven, this current summer Heat team has been more reliant on their competitiveness and hustle.