Miami has always had a keen eye for finding talent that has gone under the radar of other NBA franchises. Udonis Haslem, Duncan Robinson, Gabe Vincent, Max Strus or Caleb Martin… Also undrafted like six other of his teammates, Haywood Highsmith also made a place for himself in the Heat’s roster.
As for the others, all roads have therefore led to Miami, but that of Haywood Highsmith was particularly long. Coming out of high school, the winger didn’t receive any DLC offers, ending up at Wheeling University, a small second-division college deep in West Virginia. In total anonymity during his four seasons there, he started there, before being elected MVP of the second division during his last season (22 points and 12.6 rebounds on average).
G-League, Germany, 10-day contracts…
Undrafted in June 2018, he landed in the G-League with the Delaware Blue Coats. Between 2018 and 2022, Haywood Highsmith will make four round trips between Delaware and the NBA, with even a season in Germany with the Crailsheim Merlins. The Philadelphia of Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler will give him his first chance in the NBA before cutting him twice. That’s how he’s going to bounce back in Miami.
A first time with a ten-day contract, but it is not extended. Then Miami will call on him again last season, eventually signing him for three years in March 2022.
This season, Erik Spoelstra has given him more than confidence by giving him an average of 18 minutes per game. Excluded from the rotation at the start of the playoffs, he reappeared against Boston and in the first two games of the Finals. After scoring 18 points in Game 1, he received congratulations from Jimmy Butler.
“He is comfortable and confident,” had noted its leader. “He shoots very well, cuts towards the circle, defends. He does everything that is asked of him. In this game, he gave space to our attack. He fought in defense too and that’s his trademark in this league. He continues to do so, even in Finals. »
Prestigious mentors
A Haywood Highsmith aware of having a unique journey among the finalists.
“I’ve waited a long time for an opportunity to play in the NBA Finals. My journey has been a little crazy to get here. I went to a small college, I had to work my way up, and I’m happy to be here.” explained Haywood Highsmith to us during training in Miami on Saturday.
The ups and downs of his journey ultimately prepared him to stay ready. Once Erik Spoelstra trusted him, Haywood Highsmith was able to seize this opportunity with both hands. “We need that from everyone, no matter if you play or how many minutes you receive,” described the coach when talking about his winger after Game 1. “He’s a professional, he was ready, and his minutes were excellent. »
Whether in West Virginia, Delaware, Germany, or Miami, Haywood Highsmith’s journey has one common denominator: his work ethic.
“I have worked hard for years, and all these hours of work give me confidence,” he explains. “I will continue to play my game, now that I am here, I intend to stay there. »
All under the protection of prestigious veterans like Kevin Love, Kyle Lowry, Udonis Haslem…
“I’m a young player, and having these guys on my back helps me a lot. They allow me to learn different things, and they have already experienced that. K Love has one ring, Udonis has three… They know what it takes to win. They know what it takes to win those tight playoff games. They will bring a lot of information and experience to the youngest. Learning from these guys can help me in the long run. »
Interview in Denver.
| Haywood Highsmith | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2018-19 | PHL | 5 | 8 | 40.0 | 20.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 1.8 |
| 2021-22 | MIA | 19 | 9 | 34.8 | 32.1 | 40.0 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 2.3 |
| 2022-23 | MIA | 54 | 18 | 43.1 | 33.9 | 46.4 | 1.1 | 2.4 | 3.5 | 0.8 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 4.4 |
| Total | 78 | 15 | 41.5 | 33.1 | 42.9 | 0.9 | 2.0 | 2.8 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 3.7 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
