Phoenix Suns forward Haywood Highsmith has made a career in the NBA out of playing gritty, tough defense, something the Suns have implemented this season to find success.
So the mid-season addition makes a lot of sense going forward, especially with the injuries Phoenix has dealt with this year.
However, Highsmith is coming off an injury of his own that he suffered while on the Miami Heat. He had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee in August 2025 and is working back to be able to contribute for the Suns this season.
“Trying to just get right to work, do whatever it takes to get back on the court as quickly as possible,” Highsmith said. “I’m here to play basketball at the end of the day, that’s what I want to do.”
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Highsmith has been participating in 5-on-5 drills but is still weeks away from making his Suns debut, according to John Gambadoro.
The Suns’ newest addition said his physical confidence never lacked with his injury, but his mental confidence is growing the more he plays on his repaired right knee.
“I’m a guy who can play with anybody. I’m going to go out there and compete defensively, do whatever it takes to win,” Highsmith told reporters. “(They) have a great group here, a lot of great players, a superstar in (Devin Booker). I’m just going to bring my versatility defensively, try to fit in where I fit in and go from there.
“I’m excited to be here. Obviously, this is a playoff team. I’ve been in the playoffs before.”
Highsmith spent the last four seasons with the Heat and produced career-highs in points, blocks and steals in each of the last two years. He averaged 6.5 points, 0.9 blocks and 0.5 steals in the 2024-25 season.
The forward played in 35 postseason games during his four seasons in Miami.
Highsmith is looking to bring that same level of intensity to Phoenix.
“I feel like that’s very valuable for any team around the league to have a versatile defender like me, can guard one through four, sometimes to five,” Highsmith said. “So, they respect me as a defender and I’m going to keep proving (to) them that I’m one of the best versatile defenders in the NBA, in my opinion.”
The forward added that even though he hasn’t been on the team all season, he’s noticed how hard Phoenix plays, crashing the glass and picking up full-court pressure.
That’s why he believes he’ll fit right in with the Suns’ culture.
“Just guarding the ball, making it difficult and just being that tough, gritty defender, and making it hard for imposing teams,” Highsmith continued.
He credited his defensive development to his time with the Heat under coach Erik Spoelstra, growing and developing his skillset.
Highsmith played Division II college basketball and went undrafted. He started his career in the G League and played overseas for some time before he sustained himself in the NBA with the Heat.
He feels he has all the talent necessary to be successful but he’s always been overlooked until he gets on the court, just like what he’s seen in the Suns this season.
“They proved a lot of people wrong and they have a lot of talent,” Highsmith said. “It makes sense for where they at.”
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