Miami HEAT Re-Sign Haywood Highsmith: A Key Contributor Returns
The Miami HEAT are keeping a key piece of their lineup intact, announcing today that they have re-signed forward Haywood Highsmith. While the exact terms of the deal remain undisclosed, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with excitement over what this means for the team's future.
Highsmith, who has become a fan favorite, appeared in 66 games last season, starting in 26 of them. He averaged 6.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, clocking an average of 20.7 minutes on the court. What really stood out was his efficiency, shooting an impressive 46.5 percent from the field and nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc. These numbers highlight his steady improvement over his three seasons with the HEAT, culminating in career highs across the board last year.
The 2023 season was a breakout year for Highsmith. He notched double-figure scoring 17 times, setting a new personal best. On March 29 against Portland, he hit a career-high 20 points, showcasing his scoring prowess. During a stretch from March 24 to April 4, he scored in double figures for six consecutive games and drained at least one three-pointer in each of those matchups. His accuracy was on full display when he made seven consecutive three-pointers without a miss from March 24 to 26, tying the team season record.
Off the bench, Highsmith proved to be a versatile and reliable player. He led the HEAT bench in scoring nine times, steals 14 times, rebounds 11 times, blocks 10 times, and assists three times. His all-around performance was instrumental in Miami's playoff runs each of the past three seasons, including their thrilling journey to the Eastern Conference Championship and NBA Finals appearance in 2023.
Bringing back Highsmith is a significant move for the HEAT as they aim to build on their recent success.