Haywood Highsmith
Professional Basketball Player
Miami Connection
Highsmith contributed to the Heat's rotation with elite perimeter defense, earning the 'Locksmith' nickname and becoming a fan favorite in South Florida. His hustle and reliability helped the team in 74 games during the 2024 season, setting personal bests in key stats. Though traded recently, his tribute to Miami fans highlighted his lasting positive ties to the community.
About
Haywood Highsmith, undrafted out of college, joined the Miami Heat and became a reliable rotation player and occasional starter. In 2024, he set career highs across multiple stats, appearing in 74 games with 6.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and strong defensive contributions per game. Deeply connected to Miami through years of service with the Heat, he became a low-key fan favorite for his effort before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a tax-related move with a second-round pick. Highsmith expressed heartfelt gratitude to Heat fans via Instagram, showing no bitterness toward the organization. He underwent knee surgery in August 2025 but was expected to rehab quickly.