Young Heat Forward On The Rise

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        If you had to pick a player on the Miami Heat roster that is due to break out this season, many would guess Nikola Jovic. While that may be understandable there has been another player on the Heat that has shown great improvement in their game. Haywood Highsmith joined the Miami Heat in the middle of the 2021-22 season. Last season Highsmith experienced his first full NBA season and through the ups and downs it has helped him grow as a player. 




        Highsmith was in and out of the rotation last season but this season he is proving to Erik Spoelstra and the Heat coaching staff that he should stick. Highsmith played in four of the five preseason games and there is significant improvement in his game, especially on the offensive end. In four preseason games Highsmith averaged 9 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists while shooting 56% from the field and 60% from 3. Now it may just be preseason but this small sample is a great look for what Highsmith can provide for the Heat this upcoming season. Highsmith has always shown excellent defense but with a much improved offensive game, he is going to be deadly on both ends. 




        Haywood Highsmith is entering the final year of his contract and will enter Restrictive Free Agency and has a qualifying offer of $2.3 Million. As a restricted Free Agent the Miami Heat are able to match any offer Highsmith receives. The obvious goal is to win the championship but if all goes well Highsmith may set himself up for great success financially and he has proven he can be a valuable piece on a championship contending team. It is still very early but things are looking up for the young Heat forward. 

        



Location: Florida, USA

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