Every NBA player’s journey is different, and for Phoenix Suns forward Haywood Highsmith, his story has brought with it trials overseas, short-term contracts and a brutal injury while he tries to accomplish one thing: staying on the hardwood.
“The goal for me was just to play this season and just to get back to myself and keep building that confidence as the time goes on,” Highsmith said Wednesday on Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo. “It’s a process with the (right knee meniscus tear) rehab and getting back to play, returning to play.
“I feel like the more I play, the better I’m going to get.”
RELATED STORIES
Suns sign former Heat F Haywood Highsmith to multiyear deal
Suns keep on leaking in 3rd straight loss vs. Timberwolves
Highsmith, a 6-foot-5 NCAA Division 2 product who went undrafted in 2018, has appeared in five games since signing a two-year veteran minimum contract in February. He has contributed a solid 13.3 minutes, 5.5 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists per contest while providing Phoenix with another on-ball defender that possesses a difference-making wingspan.
“The goal for me was to play this season and get back to myself.”
Phoenix Suns forward Haywood Highsmith told @BurnsAndGambo that he is slowly building confidence in his ability to contribute while managing his right knee.
He has played five games for Phoenix after signing… pic.twitter.com/75dIj3MHBs
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) March 18, 2026
Before this stint and four seasons with the Miami Heat (2021-25), however, the 29-year-old gave international competition a shot.
Highsmith signed with the Crailsheim Merlins of the German Basketball Bundesliga in September 2020 and spent a season with the team. He averaged 7.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.
“It’s a whole different world over there. So, it was my first (time) being away from the states and it was during the (COVID-19) pandemic, so it was also an extraordinary time as well,” Highsmith said. “It was cool. Didn’t have too many complaints.”
That time away working out the kinks of his craft didn’t provide any job security, as Highsmith began his third go with the G League Delaware Blue Coats, who are affiliated with the Philadelphia 76ers. Then, he signed three 10-day contracts with the Heat — with a month in between the second and third being spent with the Blue Coats again — and finally landed a three-year deal with an NBA franchise.
The Baltimore, Maryland native was a benefactor of the “Heat culture” made famous under head coach Erik Spoelstra, seeing action in 35 playoff games across four seasons and averaging 3.5 points, 1.6 rebounds and 0.6 assists in his 11.5 minutes per contest.
His connection to the Suns wasn’t lost throughout this whirlwind, with him originally in contact with Phoenix after being waived by the 76ers in June 2019.
“When I was a second year as a pro, (I) came up there and worked out with the guys and played open gym,” Highsmith said.
After undergoing surgery for his meniscus in August of last year, Highsmith was shipped to the Brooklyn Nets, for yet another feather in his ever-growing team cap.
It was revealed he would be sidelined for eight to 10 weeks and the Suns took a flyer on a player who hadn’t played in a game this season.
“It’s been great being here and being part of this team,” Highsmith said. “Obviously, they have had a great season, proving a lot of people wrong in the playoff mix, so I’m excited.”
He said penning his name on a two-year contract was important because game availability this year was questionable at best with the lingering right knee issue.
“I’m working on getting there, but I’m still coming off an injury, getting my wind back, getting back in game shape … and it’s still some mental sides of the knee and some physical sides of the knee that I’m still working through,” Highsmith said.
“But, obviously, I’m on the court now, so that’s what it’s all about.”
Follow @pwmoses11
Hence then, the article about from germany to phoenix suns haywood highsmith accomplishing goal to stay on the court was published today ( ) and is available on Arizona sports ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( From Germany to Phoenix, Suns’ Haywood Highsmith accomplishing goal to stay on the court )
Also on site :
- BGMI 4.3 Update Download Guide for iOS Users
- Why Coby Bryant Was a Priority Addition for the Bears’ Defense
- 2026 Women’s NCAA Division I Championship: Day 1 Early Heats Live Recap