Q: Ira, Ira, Ira, look at what you’ve been doing the last week, talking about Haywood Highsmith and Dru Smith. I have some news for you: If you are talking about 14th and 15th men, then you’re hiding the truth. That doesn’t move the needle. Let us know when something real happens. – Sandy.
A: Sandy, Sandy, Sandy, you also present the news, and then leave it to readers to assess the importance. Was Haywood Highsmith going to be a rotation player? Possibly. Will Dru Smith be a rotation player? Not in any way certain. So, yes, in a sport where only five play at a time, it is those five players who matter most. Agreed. To that end, what mattered this offseason was adding Norman Powell at a nominal cost; he matters. What mattered was re-signing Davion Mitchell; if he’s not in the top five of the rotation, he’s certainly close. But in August, what you get is Haywood, Dru, pieces that either ease the cap situation or settle the back end of the roster. But to your overall point, yes, do not overstate these latest movies. If Haywood was going to move the 2025-26 needle, there would have been real questions about the trade. If Dru has to be relied upon to move the 2025-26 needle, there also will be real questions. So, for now, it very much remains about Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins, Kel’el Ware and the other primary components, with all due respect to what Haywood was and Dru is.
Q: Miami really needs to address and emphasize rebounding. Physicality, grit, and hard-nosed defense are meaningless if you routinely give up second-chance points. – Lt.
A: Agree. But if you look at this roster, about the only way that gets accomplished is gang rebounding. And that can work. But if you do that, have all five crashing the defensive glass, it also means fewer players getting out in transition. So it also mostly becomes a matter of such a mindset at closing time.
Q: I’ve seen enough bad games from Haywood Haywood, to say yes, the man freezes too often, is robotic and limited. – N.J.
A: No, no, no, let’s not do this, not kick an ultimate success story on the way out (and shame on those creating such a narrative). Haywood Highsmith often was there when needed most. And what he represented when he played last season alongside Davion Mitchell arguably was not matched by any Heat defensive duo last season. Now, could he have grown into a playoff-level starter? That’s a reasonable question and a logical doubt. But to in any way say the Heat are better off without Haywood, frankly, is disrespectful.
Originally Published: August 20, 2025 at 6:05 AM EDT