Numbers show this Miami Heat role player deserves a bigger role

If there’s one thing that’s constant in a sea of changes, it’s that Coach Erik Spoelstra is going to alter the starting lineup... a lot. The “spotations” are a fixture in Miami Heat lore – but this season, one player has made a case to remain in that lineup.

Haywood Highsmith. 

Haywood Highsmith's defense and improved offensive game should earn him a role in the Heat's starting lineup.

Known for his defensive prowess, Highsmith is showcasing an extreme improvement in his offense this season. This is most noticeable in his efficiency – as per Cleaning the Glass, Highsmith is ranked in the 97th percentile for Effective Field Goal Percentage, posting a percentage of 66% - nearly a 10% increase over last season’s numbers.

His shot profile has also changed somewhat. Highsmith is shooting more shots at the rim (25% to 33%) and short mid-range shots. The kicker is he’s making a ton of them. Highsmith ranks in the 86th percentile relative to his position converting on 78% of his attempts within four feet of the basket. Sure, some of this comes from transition scores but this is a big jump from the 59% he averaged last season - and Highsmith is putting himself in the right spots to make those buckets.

Highsmith is also sinking threes at an elite clip but from select locations. Overall Highsmith has been great from beyond the arc, shooting 43% (his three makes against Philly showcasing that) - but it’s corner threes where he’s impressed. Highsmith is shooting 50% on threes from the corner, which is quite an increase over the 42% he shot from the same location last season. 

Highsmith’s evolved game was on full display against Indiana on Nov. 15:

On defense, Haywood has remained relatively consistent, with the only major boost coming in his steal percentage where he now ranks in the 93rd percentile averaging 1.4 steals a game (the five-steal game against Minnesota likely helped here). He’s still an excellent defender for Miami, but the added value on offense is huge for a team that often struggles with scoring droughts. 

For Miami, consistency is hard to come by. Highsmith’s efficiency is a luxury that should not be taken for granted -- He needs to stay in the starting lineup.