From Division 2 to the NBA

        The Miami Heat have found great success when it comes to developing undrafted players and this season they had themselves another successful project with Forward Haywood Highsmith. After graduating high school in 2014 Highsmith took his basketball talents to Wheeling University, a Division 2 program. Highsmith would go on to play 4 seasons at Wheeling University and would enter the 2018 NBA draft. Haywood Highsmith would go undrafted but that did not stop him from pursuing the big leagues. 

        Highsmith would have a couple opportunities at making the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers however the Sixers didn't seem to have a reason to keep him so he got waived a few times. However he did not give up on his NBA dream and would continue to work on his game in the G-League with the Delaware Blue Coats [Philadelphia 76ers G-League affiliated team]. Haywood Highsmith also spent a season overseas in Germany. During the 2021-22 NBA season a lot of teams found themselves short handed with players being placed in Covid protocols however that meant an opportunity for players in the G-League to get called up and show teams their game and what they can provide, Haywood Highsmith would be one of those lucky players. I actually had the chance to get on a call with Highsmith and get his input on things. 

        During the 2021-22 season Haywood Highsmith would sign a 10-day contract with the Miami Heat. He would go on to sign a couple more 10-days with the Heat and he clearly impressed the team because shortly after his last 10-day contract the Miami Heat signed Highsmith to a 3-year, $3.9 Million standard contract. Highsmith told me he knew the Heat are a great organization and it was a great opportunity to not only show them what he can do but how much of a hard worker he is, being the first in the gym and the last to leave. Scraping through the G-League and to finally get a standard contract was a sign for him, showing that he belonged. The contract was non-guaranteed which meant Highsmith still had to prove himself but he was set to remain on the roster for the remaining of the 2021-22 season. Now after the Heat got all their players back Highsmith didn't see much playing time but when his number is called you can rely on him to stay ready. The Miami Heat would finish the season as the number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals but sadly lost in a game 7 by just one possession. Highsmith did not see much playing time during the playoffs but he still stayed ready in case his number was called. 

        In the summer of 2022 PJ Tucker, who was the starting Power Forward for the Heat, left to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers and Markieff Morris left to sign with the Brooklyn Nets. That meant an opportunity for Highsmith to earn some minutes. Highsmith participated in the 2022 summer league and played in all of the Heat's preseason games. During the course of the season Highsmith was in and out of the rotation but when he played solid minutes he showed what he brings to the team. His offense was a bit inconsistent however Highsmith made an impact in other aspects such as rebounding and defense. Highsmith showed hustle and did the the little things that don't always show on the box score. Which helped him as the Heat fully-guaranteed his contract for the remainder of the season. Highsmith had some of his best games during the season against the Boston Celtics. On November 30th, Highsmith went for 16 points, 6-9 from the field (66%), 4-6 from three-point range (66%), 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks then on January 24th, Highsmith went for 15 points, going 5-7 from the field (71%), 4-4 from three-point range (100%), 10 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. I asked Highsmith if there was just something about playing against the Celtics that gets him going offensively and he mentioned how he understands the rivalry between the Heat and Celtics and how in those games they kept leaving him open and he made them pay. Highsmith had a lot of defensive highlights in those games against the Celtics, primarily when guarding Jayson Tatum. He mentioned how much respect he has for Tatum, says he's top 10 in the league, but he trusts in the hard work he puts in and uses his strength and length to his advantage. 

        The Miami Heat made the playoffs as the 8th seed and would make history as being the first 8th seed to make it to the NBA Finals in a full season. Throughout each series Highsmith's minutes were up and down but he always stayed ready when his number was called. He played to his strengths with his solid rebounding, defense and occasionally some buckets. In game 1 of the NBA Finals Haywood Highsmith had an amazing performance going for 18 points, 7-10 from the field (70%), 2-4 from three-point range (50%), 2 rebounds, 1 block and 2 steals but sadly the Heat lost the game. When I asked Highsmith how it felt to have such an amazing performance on the biggest stage of basketball he told me how those are the moments you dream of. He mentioned how his teammates kept finding him open looks. He also said he would have much rather gotten the win than focus on his own performance but will cherish the moment. While the Heat sadly lost the Finals series against the Denver Nuggets, Haywood Highsmith had himself a successful season and is looking to continue to improve for this upcoming season. I asked him what has he been working on most this offseason and he is striving to be a better ball handler, playmaker and be more consistent with his shot. Highsmith is entering the final year of his current deal and it is fully-guaranteed.