
Barry Jackson highlights in the Herald story that starting Haywood Highsmith at power forward has proven to be a successful strategy for the Miami Heat this season.
The team has posted a 17-11 record when Highsmith starts, compared to just 3-6 when he doesn’t.
Following the Heat’s win on Saturday, head coach Erik Spoelstra praised Highsmith’s performance, saying, “He was great tonight. He gives us, when he’s at his best, point of attack defense, harassing other teams’ better guards and wing players. It’s a thankless job except in our locker room.”
Highsmith, who re-signed with the Heat as an unrestricted free agent during the 2024 offseason on a two-year, $10.8 million deal, has proven to be a crucial defensive asset for the team.
His ability to disrupt opposing players on defense and take on challenging assignments has been vital to Miami’s success.
Highsmith has played 5 seasons for the Heat and 76ers. He has averaged 5.3 points and 3.1 rebounds in 179 regular-season games.
Heat Notes: Butler, Herro, Jovic, Highsmith https://t.co/B8GYEvjhcr pic.twitter.com/PhHy7KVBdP
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 12, 2025