Welcome to our Phoenix Suns Season in Review series, where we revisit every player who suited up during the 2025–26 campaign through the lens of expectation, reality, and what it ultimately meant.
Player Snapshot
- Position: SF/PF
- Age: 29
- 2026-27 Contract Status: $3.8 million, UFA in 2027-28
- SunsRank (Preseason): NR
- SunsRank (Postseason): 13
*SunsRank is based on Bright Side writers’ ranking.
Season in One Sentence
Highwood Highsmith was a pleasant surprise that was brought in with the big picture in mind.
By the Numbers
The Expectation
The expectations for Highsmith should not have been high, given the circumstances. He signed with the Suns after choosing between multiple playoff contenders.
Highsmith’s
midseason addition was a pleasant surprise, brought on with the big picture in mind, considering he was fresh off a meniscus-tear recovery this season. He was always going to be rusty. The injury was in August during camp, so the fact that he got back on the court this year at all was a win for him mentally. Next season, we should see more growth as he starts to trust his legs again.
The goal was to get him in the system. Learn. Adapt. Progress. It was a bit of a rollercoaster with him missing an additional 12 games after he made his debut and played in 6 of 7 games to begin his Suns career.
The Reality
Highsmith only appeared in 7 regular-season games, but made the most of his time when he played. He only played 12+ minutes in four games this season, averaging 7.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.5 APG, and 1.0 SPG on 50% shooting in those four contests.
There were some serious defensive flashes from Highsmith throughout his opening Suns tenure. He also displayed (occasionally) that he can score when needed, even if that isn’t in his job description.
What It Means
Zooming out, it’s easy to see the real reason why Phoenix brought him in. He was a useful role player and difference-maker for the Miami Heat for several years. He provides the length and defensive chops that fit right in with Jordan Goodwin, Dillon Brooks, and others.
Highsmith said, “Defense wins championships. If you can guard a lot of different positions, your versatility can help a lot. You can switch a lot of different pick-and-rolls and [play] different schemes, stuff like that. I feel like that’s very valuable for any team around the league, having someone like me that can guard one through four, sometimes the five … I’m going to keep proving that I’m one of the best and most versatile defenders in the NBA, in my opinion.”
Finding a “cheap” role player who coaches can trust, especially when they are in the mold of a high-IQ, 3&D wing, is a win. Despite the limited gameplay this season, his addition was never about the immediate future.
Defining Moment
In a season where he only appeared in 7 games in limited minutes, it’s difficult to find a ton of “defining moments”, but this play and game were by far his best as a Sun.
He finished with 16 points on 4 of 5 shooting from deep in 18 minutes of action. Haywood also had 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal in the ballgame. This late-game steal right after he knocked down a big shot was the single best HH moment we had, and hopefully a precursor of what’s to come.
He did some brief cardio in a couple of small stints against the Thunder in the 1st Round of the Playoffs. He compiled 3 rebounds in 11 minutes and did not record a point on 0-2 shooting. He was mostly brought in as a “change of pace” attempt by Ott for defensive purposes.
Grade: B-
I believe he can do more than he showed us this year, because he has been a strong wing in the past. He wasn’t overly impressive or anything, but that was expected with him working back from an injury.
Get him to camp healthy, and he should be a consistent ~15-20 minutes per game impact player off the bench. He fits the identity this team is looking for. It will be especially interesting to track the likes of Royce O’Neale and Grayson Allen, as one (or both) of their departures could set him up for an even more significant role. I’m here for more Rasheer Fleming, Jordan Goodwin, and Haywood Highsmith minutes next season.
