Haywood Highsmith
Small and Power Forward, 6’5”, 220 pounds, 29 years old, 5 years of NBA experience
The Phoenix Suns got off to the right start of the year before the All-Star Break transpired. Even if they went 1-2 in their final three games, this team has proved every doubter wrong with their success. This team currently sits 32-23, over its win total from the beginning of the year.
With them exceeding expectations and setting themselves up for a postseason run, the team decided to add some more reinforcements, and a big one on the buyout market with Haywood Highsmith.
From watching Highsmith in the past and seeing where this team is going, this is a great move from the front office. They take a low-value swing, and if it pays off, they will make this roster even richer than before.
2024-25 Recap
Highsmith has had a bit of a wild career, but fortunately, last season dealt with a tamer one than the previous. This was due to his success with the Heat during their 2023 Finals run. He was then able to secure a 2-year deal worth a little more than $10 million.
In the 2024 season, he had a healthy year, playing in 74 of the Heat’s 82 games and starting 42. For the Heat, he played a consistent role as a solid wing defender who can take big assignments, is scrappy, plays for loose balls, and is a strong defender. Not only will he do that defensively, but he could also stretch and shoot the three-ball at a decent clip. In a year when he had his most minutes (24.6), Highsmith averaged career highs in almost every category. He had a stat line of 6.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.5 blocks while shooting 46/38/72 from the field.
Unfortunately, Highsmith suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee during training camp in the offseason. He then underwent surgery and was said to miss 8-10 weeks. With this happening in August, pretty late in the offseason, the Heat knew he would not be back and needed some additions. That is when, a week later, after getting this injury, Highsmith was traded to the Brooklyn Nets for essentially a $5.6 trade exception, giving the Heat flexibility to add to their team, knowing Highsmith would not be available to them.
The Brooklyn Nets then waived him on February 5th, as the Nets could not trade him and did not want him. With him prepping a comeback, many playoff teams would be interested in the dynamic wing.
Contract Details
With Highsmith being waived by the Nets, he became a free agent and could have signed any deal with the Suns. He ended up signing a minimum two-year contract with the team, with the second year non-guaranteed.
This is a huge win for both Highsmith and the Suns. For Highsmith, he gets to go to a team that is in the mix of things and could actually carve out a role in this rotation. If he does and succeeds, well, the Suns are going to keep him, and he will have a home for two seasons after fighting to get to the league since 2018. For the Suns, they take a flyer on a wing who can help them now, and if he does carve out a role in the rotation, well, they got a scam contract for next year. One that is needed, given how financially stuck this team already is, and with some paydays coming in for some of their own free agents.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Highsmith’s versatility is his greatest strength, as he can help on both sides of the court and fits the scheme that coach Ott has laid out perfectly. Since he is another 3&D wing, he will fit in like a glove, just like the others on this roster. He can play solid perimeter defense, something this team has lacked a bit as some of its role players have gotten older. He brings high effort and energy, just like many others on this roster, which has been another staple. Then on the offensive end, he can strike down from three-point range, which has been a staple of the success this year on that side of the ball. With him shooting 38% and close to 40% the year previous, you can see exactly why he can fit into this offense.
My only weakness for Highsmith is that he cannot really create his own shot. The only benefit of the second one is that it is not going to be his role. I’d expect Highsmith to serve as a buffer when Grayson Allen is out and they need more size on the wing. He can slot in and be that catch-and-shoot three-point scorer, while playing some hard-nosed defense on the other end.
One Key Factor
Even if Highsmith has had a solid couple of years recently, we cannot expect this signing to put the Suns over the moon. In NBA history, it is notoriously known that buyout guys do not make much of a difference unless you are Kevin Love joining the Heat. Now, Highsmith was only in this predicament because he tore his meniscus, but that makes you wonder: Will he be back to that form? As we all know, with injuries, especially serious ones like Highsmith’s, sometimes a player is never the same. If that were to be the case for Highsmith, it would not only be upsetting for him but also for the Suns fans.
I know personally, when I saw this notification, I was shocked. I did not expect Highsmith to come to Phoenix, and he is the best player this team could have added. So, for his sake, I want to see him healthy and able to contribute.
Prediction Time
I am excited to see Highsmith suit up for Phoenix, even if he does not have a solid field role in this rotation. For someone who can give some good energy on the defensive end, he should see some playing time just for his effort. Once he can get comfortable offensively and find his spots, that is when the threes will start falling as well. Even if he is at the end of the rotation and only used in situational situations, he will be needed for the size on the wing in the playoffs to help match up against other stars.
Stat Prediction: 20 Games Played, 5.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, on 45/40/75
Final Thoughts
I am excited to see what Haywood Highsmith can do for this team. After watching him take on the Boston Celtics in the 2023 playoffs, he gave me nightmares, and I hope he can recreate those same memories for other fanbases around the league now that he is in the Valley.