The Phoenix Suns once again waived Haywood Highsmith ahead of the new season in one of the moves designed to get their roster down to 14 players. Before letting him go once and for all, we have to give him his flowers. Highsmith was the ideal Suns player; he just happened to come along at the wrong time.
Injuries robbed Suns of getting best out of defensive forward
That seems like a strong proclamation to make for a player who only ever appeared nine times for the franchise, but you only needed to see Highsmith out there once to know he had all the tools to be an ideal Jordan Ott player. The defensive end of the court is where he made his name, and there's a reason the Miami Heat had him for four seasons upon his return to the NBA, having played overseas prior to that.
If this team can get something out of former first-round pick Ryan Dunn, and we have again been shown flashes in preseason, then there is no doubt Highsmith could have been a success, both last season as a backup to Dillon Brooks and the predecessor to Miles Bridges, but also this time around in backing that tandem up when required.
It is just unfortunate for the 29-year-old that the organization traded for Bridges and that they have a pair of guards in Jordan Goodwin and Jamaree Bouyea who can guard bigger scorers. That allows Brooks, Bridges, and even Dunn to move up a spot in guarding bigger forwards, which was one of the main selling points of Highsmith. That and shooting 37.5 percent from deep while with the Heat.
Goodwin and Bouyea can also initiate the offense in ways Highsmith never could, while Collin Gillespie was also brought back this summer. Mark Williams' injury meant there was a need for another center to be added to the mix, which is why Duop Reath has been kept on what most presume will be a two-way deal. He might just help solve some spacing issues in ways Highsmith never could in the process.
Roster moved on without Highsmith after surprise playoff appearance
A pair of Highsmith's nine games may have come in the playoffs, but he provided little in helping the Suns get to that point. The front office then spent the offseason trying to upgrade (Bridges, Luke Kennard) while also bringing key guys back (Goodwin, Gillespie), which negated the need for Highsmith.
He deserves another opportunity elsewhere, and we hope that he gets it, because there is a scenario in which he was part of the Suns' second unit in 2026-27. A postseason hopeful absolutely should take a chance on him at the deadline.
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