The Miami Heat continue to ride the wave of success with forward Haywood Highsmith in the starting lineup, boasting an impressive 3-0 record this season when he takes the floor from the opening tip-off.
Highsmith showcased his prowess in their latest victory against the Memphis Grizzlies, contributing 14 points, two rebounds, and three blocks while shooting an impressive 71.4 percent from the field. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra couldn’t help but commend Highsmith’s performance on both court ends.
“There’s a lot of winning plays that he does,” said Spoelstra. “Defensively, he can do a lot of different things. He fits very well with what we like to do. He can switch, and he can guard bigger guys. He also plays traditional coverages.”
The decision to insert Highsmith into the starting lineup came after veteran Kevin Love sustained a minor injury, prompting the coaching staff to explore other options. Highsmith’s elite defensive skills have seamlessly blended with the Heat’s Big Three, making him a valuable piece of the puzzle.
Spoelstra acknowledged Highsmith’s offensive growth, noting his three-point shooting ability and the evolution of his overall game. “Offensively, you can see how much his game has developed,” Spoelstra remarked. “The three-ball, we all know about that. But he’s also been working on his drives, his cuts, his ability to finish at the circle area or to the end.”
While Highsmith has been making a compelling case for a permanent spot in the starting lineup, forward Caleb Martin, currently sidelined due to injury, remains a contender. Despite Martin’s initial struggles in the season opener against the Detroit Pistons, scoring two points in 19 minutes, his potential impact is still a factor to consider.