Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

The story behind the undrafted players that are fueling the Miami Heat’s run

By Justin Chen

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 29: The Miami Heat pose with the Bob Cousy Trophy after defeating the Boston Celtics 103-84 in game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 29, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 29: The Miami Heat pose with the Bob Cousy Trophy after defeating the Boston Celtics 103-84 in game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 29, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Haywood Highsmith (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Haywood Highsmith (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /

Haywood Highsmith

The last undrafted player in the rotation is Haywood Highsmith. Affectionately referred to as “Haywood Locksmith” by Heat fans due to his defensive prowess, his 3-and-D ability has provided sparks off the bench for the Heat during their playoff run.

He attended all four years in college at Wheeling Jesuit University where he was able to grow into a starter and averaged 15 points. His senior year was his best, garnering accolades such as “being named the Division II Conference Commissioner’s Association National Player of the Year, the Mountain East Conference Player of the Year, and the MEC Tournament MVP.”

Highsmith would then sign with the Delaware Blue Coats after going undrafted in 2018 and eventually earned a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, being teammates with future Heat star Jimmy Butler. However, he was waived after the conclusion of the season but returned to 76ers G-League affiliate Delaware Blue Coats after his Exhibit 10 deal fell through.

He kept working and played for The Crailsheim Merlins in the 2020-21 season, located in Germany. However, when given the opportunity to come back to the U.S., Highsmith came back to the Blue Coats and eventually would get his first chance with the Heat, following injuries and COVID-19 policy. After bouncing back and forth with the Blue Coats, he finally found a home with the Heat and signed a three-year deal to stay with them.

During the 2022-23 season, he saw career highs across the board, appearing in 54 games and playing 18 minutes. His role in the playoffs has also increased, especially in the Celtics series. In Game 5, he saw a career-high 36 minutes and scored 15 points on an efficient 67% from the field. He also came up with timely stops in the closeout game, getting a steal on Jayson Tatum that helped the Heat push their lead. In Game 1 of the Finals, he also helped provide a late 4th quarter comeback for the Heat, scoring 18 points on 70% shooting and 2/4 (50%) from deep.

Home/Miami Heat