Though Haywood Highsmith has been a guiding force from the sidelines, the Brooklyn Nets are still uncertain about when he’ll be back in action. Ahead of Thursday’s game against the Miami Heat at the Barclays Center, head coach Jordi Fernández provided an update on Highsmith’s recovery from his right knee injury. While the veteran forward is making strides in his rehabilitation, he has yet to participate in full-contact or five-on-five training sessions.

The team’s strategy has been centered on gradual progress and daily routines, ensuring that Highsmith’s recovery isn’t rushed. “He’s in a good place,” Fernández shared with reporters. “He shows up every day, does his job, and exemplifies professionalism. Beyond just maintaining his physical health, he’s actively engaged on the court with coaches. Although he hasn’t reached the stage of five-on-five play or full contact yet, we’ll keep you posted on his next steps.”

Brooklyn’s cautious approach with Highsmith reflects their broader philosophy. While he remains a fixture in individual workouts, film reviews, and practice environments, the team is careful not to set a definitive timeline for his return. With a roster rich in youthful talent and developmental goals, the Nets are prioritizing Highsmith’s long-term wellbeing over immediate on-court contributions.

Despite his physical limitations, Highsmith’s influence on the team remains strong. He may not be participating in drills or defending aggressively yet, but his presence is felt in practice sessions—holding teammates accountable and contributing to the team’s cohesion as he readies himself for a full return.

That deliberate pace has defined Brooklyn’s approach with Highsmith. The 29-year-old has been a consistent presence in individual workouts, film sessions and practice settings, but the team has resisted putting a timeline on his return. With a young roster and no shortage of developmental priorities, the Nets have prioritized long-term health over short-term availability.

What hasn’t changed is Highsmith’s role within the group. He isn’t cutting or closing out yet, but he’s still impacting practices, still holding teammates accountable and still finding ways to contribute while his body catches up.

“The most important thing to me is his veteran leadership, and how important he is to the rest of the group, especially the young guys,” Fernández said. “And the whole group is pretty young, so having somebody like him means a lot to me because that really helps me.”

SHATTERING EXPECTATIONS

There were legitimate pre draft questions about Danny Wolf’s shooting and defense, but his early play in Brooklyn has made those concerns feel silly. Fernández said the Nets never shared that skepticism.

“I didn’t have those questions,” Fernández said. “We drafted him, we love him, we believe in him. We knew that he was a good shooter, and he’s proven that he’s a good shooter. We knew that he could keep the ball in front, and he can keep the ball in front.”

What Wolf has shown is a skill set that’s translated quickly. His jumper has looked confident within the flow of the offense, and defensively, he’s held his own at the point of attack by staying connected and competing without fouling much. He’s shooting 40.5% from 3-point range through his first 11 games while posting a 98.5 defensive rating.

The Nets obviously don’t view him as a finished product. Fernández pointed to Wolf’s assist-to-turnover balance as an area for growth, especially as his role expands. However, what’s stood out is his restraint. Wolf hasn’t forced offense or played outside himself; a quality that’s helped him earn trust on a young roster still learning how to manage NBA possessions.

“He’s not trying to do too much,” Fernández said. “He’s trying to do whatever it takes to help the team win and compete for games. And that’s what I really respect about Danny, very good teammate.”

HEATING UP

Thursday’s matchup against Miami opened a much tougher stretch for the Nets after a 4-2 run against a softer slate. Those four wins came against the Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans, but now the schedule’s heating up with the Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets on deck.

“Right now, we start a new stretch of five games, and it starts tonight at home and finding a way to compete for four quarters, get better,” Fernández said. “I think right now we’ve played against good teams. Again, this is the best league in the world, and all these teams are very good. It doesn’t matter where they are right now, all those players are very special. We’ve done a good job competing and getting better and now that’s what we’re expecting to do during this next set of five games: Try to get 3-2 or better.”