NBA Training Camps haven’t even started, and yet, the Miami Heat may already find themselves in an early-season hole. That’s because the injury to Haywood Highsmith, who is expected to miss roughly two months, could have a bigger impact on the team than many are willing to admit.

For a team that is likely going to be fighting for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, losing one of their more consistent rotation players is not how they want to begin the season. The two-month recovery timeline for Haywood keeps him out right until the middle of October.

For any reason, if he misses slightly more time, he’s going to miss the start of the regular season for the Heat. As one of the team’s most consistent defenders on the wing, this is the last thing the Heat needed to start off the new NBA campaign.

Highsmith is coming off one of the best seasons of his career for the Heat, averaging seven points and three rebounds on 46 percent shooting from the field and 38 percent shooting from 3-point range. He’s also one of the team’s most versatile wing defenders on the roster.

Who will step up in Highsmith’s absence?

While the injury to Highsmith is certainly not something the Heat wanted to see play out right before the start of the season, this situation will present a unique opportunity for another player to step up. The question is, who will take ownership of the opportunity?

From a pure speculation perspective, there are two players who could take advantage of the injury to Highsmith in an attempt to step into the good graces of the coaching staff. Those two players are Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Pelle Larsson.

Interestingly enough both of these players are coming off two very different seasons a year ago.

Even though I don’t think it’s completely fair, Jaquez Jr. is coming off somewhat of a disappointing sophomore campaign. He had a smaller role, played fewer games, was less productive, and less efficient during his sophomore season than he was during his rookie year. Not ideal, nor what you want to see from a developing player.

If Highsmith does miss training camp and some of the regular season, the opportunity will be there for Jaquez Jr. to try and rebuild the narrative surrounding him.

On the other hand, Larsson will be looking to take the next step in his development and build off the momentum that he’s built through this offseason, playing standout basketball during the NBA Summer League and now EuroBasket 2025.

Those are two names who may need to step up if the Heat are expected to be without Highsmith for any amount of time.

Make no mistake, this injury is far from ideal for the Heat. At the very least, they’re starting the season on the wrong foot. For a team that will need to fight for everything they get this year, it’s not the early-season hole they need.