The mid-season acquisition is “faster progressing” toward his debut in Phoenix

Will the Phoenix Suns latest acquisition, Highwood Highsmithmake his season debut Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings? The 6-foot-5 forward isn’t even sure himself.

He was given a two to three week timetable to return from knee surgery in August 2025. Since landing in the Valley of the Sun, Highsmith committed to readiness for the last part of the season.

“I’m putting in a lot of work. I’m progressing well. I’m progressing faster than they thought I would and I’m just feeling more comfortable every time I’m doing rehab and stuff. I’m just looking good and feeling good,” Highsmith said during Tuesday’s shootaround, via AZCentral’s Duane Rankin on X (formerly Twitter).

The former Miami Heat forward has a knack for defending, which Phoenix was more than interested in. After the Suns got executed at the NBA trade deadline, they cleared a roster spot.

The signing of Highsmith was a bit of a surprise, given how he fits into Miami’s culture. But he fits seamlessly into Phoenix coach Jordan Ott’s defensive scheme with players who can switch and be versatile on that front.

What can Haywood Highsmith bring to the Suns?

Defense, defense and more defense. That was his calling card, even though he wasn’t the most well-rounded offensive player. however, Highsmith has grown into a solid 3-point shooterwhich gave him 42 starts last season.

The 3-and-D philosophy will never die in the NBA, and as long as a player can be effective on both ends, that’s usually a recipe for success.

And with Jordan Goodwin scheduled to be evaluated in about another week or two, Highsmith’s presence comes at a crucial time. Like Goodwin, the newest addition to the team he will bring his business card.

“Defensively, that’s what I do. Pressure. Bring it up, be that pass defensively. Crash the glass, be a good shooter, make a spot-up shot against guys like (Jalen Green and Devin Booker) and just bring that energy,” Highsmith said, via Rankin.

“Just being a tough, tough guy and doing the intangibles and doing whatever it takes to win.”

No-ego is an automatic green flag for the Suns, and they could find themselves as a perennial lockdown defenseman. It now remains to be seen whether he will suit up on Tuesday, despite not being on the injury report.