NBA’s opening night for the 2025-26 season tips off Tuesday, October 21, with two games scheduled. A full slate follows on Wednesday when several teams, including the Brooklyn Nets, will see their first action.
The Nets are heading into the season with the youngest roster in the NBA. But they’ll be missing a key veteran piece to start the year.
Haywood Highsmith will be sidelined for at least eight weeks as he recovers from knee surgery. The 28-year-old forward hasn’t been able to participate in any preseason games.
Brooklyn’s medical staff announced Sunday that Highsmith experienced swelling in his right knee during rehabilitation from an August meniscectomy procedure. He’ll need a modified rehab program before he can return to action.
“Brooklyn Nets forward Haywood Highsmith recently experienced right knee swelling during his rehab from an August meniscectomy procedure. Highsmith will require a modified rehab program to address the swelling and will be re-evaluated in eight weeks, team says,” NBA insider Michael Scotto reported on social media.
Highsmith was the only player on Brooklyn’s active roster who didn’t see the court during preseason games.
The Nets acquired Highsmith this summer in a trade with the Miami Heat, who were looking to cut costs. Brooklyn also picked up a 2032 second-round pick in the deal.
Before joining the Nets, Highsmith spent four seasons in Miami, where he appeared in 213 games and started 80 of them.
Last season, he averaged 6.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while playing nearly 25 minutes per game for the Heat.
His three-point shooting has improved dramatically over the past two seasons, making him a valuable two-way player who can space the floor and defend multiple positions.
Even though he can’t contribute on the court right away, Highsmith’s veteran presence could still be valuable for a Nets team whose average age is just 23.36 years old – the youngest in the league.
It’s definitely not an ideal start for Highsmith with his new team, but the Nets will hope he can make an impact when he returns around mid-December.
