Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith will have a new look this season, as he’s switching from No. 24 to No. 8 for his jersey number.
The Heat posted about the news on social media and included an explanation from Highsmith, who noted that his old jersey number equals his new jersey number when the digits of his old number are multiplied. He also explained that it’s cool for him to be able to go from No. 24 to No. 8 because those were the two numbers NBA icon Kobe Bryant wore with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Highsmith’s move to No. 8 will also allow Heat newcomer Norman Powell to stick with No. 24, which he has worn his whole NBA career.
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For some reason, Heat big man Bam Adebayo had something to say in the comment section.
It’s unclear exactly why Adebayo penned the message, but he might’ve just been poking at his teammate in good fun.
Highsmith and Adebayo will both be key pieces for the Heat this coming season as the team tries to get back on track. Last season was one to forget for Miami, as the team finished below .500 and was embarrassed in the playoffs.
Highsmith has proven himself as a legitimate NBA contributor with the Heat. In four seasons with the team, he has averaged 5.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game while making a name for himself on the defensive end.
Adebayo, meanwhile, has become a star with the Heat, even though he didn’t have his best year in the 2024-25 campaign. Since coming into the NBA, he has earned three All-Star nods and five All-Defense selections while often ending up in the Defensive Player of the Year race.
Although the Heat are currently navigating a time where some fans aren’t super confident in the team’s direction, Highsmith and Adebayo are both nice success stories for the franchise, and with any luck, they’ll help Miami get closer to a championship in the near future.
For now, a winning season seems like a good goal for the team in the 2025-26 campaign, and hopefully, that might also turn into a playoff run.
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