The Sixer Sense
Fansided

8 players the Philadelphia 76ers gave up on too soon

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 01: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Orlando Magic shoots over Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on February 01, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 01: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Orlando Magic shoots over Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on February 01, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Haywood Highsmith

Haywood Highsmith first emerged as a star for the Sixers’ G-League affiliate in Delaware before earning a two-way contract in 2018-19. He appeared in a grand total of five games (40 minutes) for Philadelphia that season before transitioning back to obscurity. We wouldn’t see Highsmith on an NBA court again until the 2021-22 season… with the Miami Heat.

Don’t look now, but it would appear the Sixers let another quality two-way wing slip through the cracks. For a Miami team starved of perimeter depth, Highsmith has been a nice boon. His numbers don’t necessarily pop, but he’s averaging 18.0 minutes in 49 games played for the Heat this season. His long arms are everywhere on defense and he brings the intensity of a player hungry to prove his worth.

Highsmith is getting run for the Heat, a playoff team, and the Sixers basically never called his number. He never piqued the interest of Philly’s coaching staff outside of garbage time, despite his strong track record of two-way production with Delaware and the Sixers’ perennial depth issues on the perimeter.

Highsmith is far from the most consequential name of this list, but he is yet another strong example of Philadelphia’s inability to recognize and maintain talent on the roster margins. Even if the scouting department consistently guides them toward quality end-of-bench pieces, the Sixers consistently fumble whatever opportunities for player development may exist.