The Miami Heat has a successful history of developing its players. This is especially true when it comes to discovering undrafted players and transforming them into valuable contributors. Look no further than Gabe Vincent and Max Strus, who came to Miami as unknowns but left as proven players.
After Miami’s recent NBA Finals run, Vincent and Strus cashed in on eight-figure contracts this summer, paving the way for other players to follow suit. Forward Haywood Highsmith could be next.
Since signing with the Heat in 2021, Highsmith has emerged as a tantalizing talent. His defense, versatility, and flashes on offense have made him a fan favorite. Aside from talent and skill, Highsmith’s self-belief has propelled him from an underdog to a promising contender for a spot in the rotation.
An Underdog Story: The Journey of Making It to the NBA
A Baltimore native, Highsmith’s road to the NBA wasn’t easy. He didn’t receive many offers from NCAA Division I colleges, so he ended up attending Wheeling University, a Division II school of about 1,300 students in West Virginia.
Each year from 2014 to 2018, Highsmith improved his consistency and productivity. Earlier this year, Wheeling coach Danny Sancomb told the Baltimore Sun what made him believe that Highsmith was destined to make his dream of playing in the NBA come true.
"“It gives me chills every time I think about it,” Sancomb said. “I know his journey, and it hasn’t been an easy path. Sometimes, people get told they’re not good enough or that they don’t have quite what it takes, and they quit right on that. I think Haywood is just one of those guys who says, that doesn’t mean I can’t get better, I’ve got to work on this. That’s why he’s been able to not just make it but thrive.”"
With Highsmith, the Cardinals reached the NCAA Atlantic Regional Tournament three out of four seasons and won the Mountain East conference championship in 2017. He was named the NCAA Division II Player of the Year in 2018 and became one of four players in Wheeling men’s basketball history to surpass 1,900 career points.
When Opportunity Knocks
Highsmith entered the 2018 NBA draft but went undrafted. That same year, his performance at a local tryout caught the eye of the Philadelphia 76ers G League affiliate team, the Delaware Blue Coats. After signing a two-way contract with them in January, 2019, Highsmith finally made his NBA debut but spent time in and out of the lineup.
He thrived in the G League, but after the brief stint with Philadelphia didn’t culminate into a roster spot, a black swan event resulted in a career-changing opportunity. When eight of the Heat’s players were ruled out due to COVID-19 in December of 2021, they acquired Highsmith to fill in as a reserve. They ended up signing him to a trio of10-day contracts through February, 2022. Miami’s coaching staff was impressed with Highsmith’s versatility on both ends of the floor. In March, he signed a standard, three-year contract.
Highsmith has proven to be a valuable find. Despite inconsistent playing time, he made his minutes matter this past season. In 54 games, he averaged 4.4 points and 3.5 rebounds in 17.9 minutes.
However, Highsmith’s defensive efficiency and playmaking abilities stood out the most in the postseason. Against the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals, Highsmith finished with a career-high 15 points (including shooting 3 of 4 from 3-point range), accompanied by two steals. Then in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets, he tallied 18 points and two steals.
Haywood Highsmith is One of Miami’s Hidden Gems
Highsmith has been working diligently this offseason to expand his role and develop his skills. When asked by the Miami Herald what he was doing this summer to prepare for the upcoming season, Highsmith emphasized defense and shooting.
"“Getting great at everything I’m good at and getting good at everything I’m OK at,” Highsmith said. “So for me, it always starts with defense. Taking it to the next level. He is a great defender. guarding one through four, maybe one through five sometimes. Bullying through screens, getting steals, getting in passing lanes. And offensively, just making sure that I’m becoming the best shooter that I can be.”"
Highsmith has earned the respect of the coaching staff due to his ability to effectively defend 1-4, protect the paint and 3-point line. He’s a strong and athletic forward, a good rebounder for his size, and will tenaciously guard the ball. If Highsmith improves his 3-point shooting, he can be an impactful player on the wing this upcoming season.
A lockdown defender with a developing jumper, Highsmith has the potential to become a force to be reckoned with. He’s a versatile player who can defend, shoot, and rebound when given the chance to play, and a true professional who capitalizes on the rare opportunity that he’s been given.
Highsmith is one player to keep an eye on this season. With a willingness to win and succeed, he’s back for at least one more year as the Heat look to build upon their extraordinary postseason run. Miami’s culture promotes the ideals that hard work and talent aren’t overlooked and opportunity is welcome. If Highsmith can build on his promising moments last season, he could be the Heat’s next success story.