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.
Miami Heat: Haywood Highsmith can help fill P.J. Tucker-sized hole
Nonetheless, they’ve received some very steady play from Highsmith, as the returning Heat forward scored 17 points against his former team, all while adding seven rebounds, three steals, and three rejections.
Since last December, when the Miami Heat originally signed him to a 10-Day contract, it was understood that Highsmith would provide a floor spacing prowess. However, we’re seeing a brand new display of intangibility from the 25-year-old forward.
Not only is this a stronger, quicker, and more cerebral Haywood Highsmith—this is, indeed, a more determined Haywood Highsmith.
THROUGHOUT SUMMER LEAGUE PLAY, HIGHSMITH IS BOOSTING HIS CANDIDACY FOR MORE THAN JUST INCREASED PLAYING TIME.
This summer, Highsmith has expanded his role as a vocal leader. Often seen directing teammates to where they should be on the floor, he’s been precise with his ability to set screens on or away from the ball.
Highsmith has also shown a high level of intensity such as boxing out and relentlessly attacking the offensive glass. Defensively, he’s guarding multiple positions and even taking the initiative to guard marquee assignments.
Quite simply, the 25-year-old forward is proving himself to be an NBA player. And a very serviceable one, at that.
Miami Heat: Though just summer league, Haywood Highsmith is proving stuff
However, when thinking about what Haywood is accomplishing this far in Summer League action, there’s only one player to which his play can be directly linked. You should look no further than his ex-teammate, P.J. Tucker, who signed a three-year, $33.2 million deal to join the Sixers after ultimately leaving Miami in free agency.
For anyone who truly understood the role and impact Tucker had for the Heat last season, the 13-year NBA veteran’s absence will leave a few gaps. First, he was an NBA champion who became an instant fit with his strong personality.
Secondly and as important, he contributed in ways last year that he hadn’t done across his entire career. As Highsmith stated very recently, he confidently believes that he’s next in line to, not only, improve and become the type of player P.J. was but to also fill his shoes and eventually replace him as the Heat’s starting power forward.
While possessing more of a docile personality, Highsmith does have some positional resemblances to Tucker. With a strong upper frame and a physical profile to deal with larger matchups, you also take solace in the fact that Haywood is much younger and a bit more athletic.
Still, you can just sense that he’s slowly becoming an extension of what P.J. once was. Either way, Highsmith’s play style is encapsulated by a team-first mentality that resembles Tucker’s and this current Summer League performance is only steering him further in that direction.
The window is open for Haywood to replace his former 37-year-old counterpart—and it’s right in his grasp. Though, for what it’s worth, he will have some competition come training camp.
Reserve teammate, Caleb Martin, who just re-signed with Miami, has also advocated for the team’s starting four spot, while previously spending time at the position.
As the NBA offseason continues, much can change for the Miami Heat throughout the next few weeks. Presently in the hot pursuit of acquiring another All-Star caliber player, you shouldn’t expect Miami to veer away from these ongoing rumors anytime soon.
For Highsmith though, none of that truly matters at this point. Here in Summer League, this is his time to showcase what he’s capable of at the professional level.
With the Miami Heat committing to him with a two-year extension (non-guaranteed), he’s starting to do just that and then some.