Worst kept secret out there.

Keith Pompey and Jason Blevins were the first ones to report and/or intimate that 6’7″ Blue Coats swingman Haywood Highsmith would take the two-way roster spot vacated by Demetrius Jackson, who was waived on Sunday in order to pursue an opportunity in China.

From the press release:

“In 22 G League games, he holds averages of 13.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 33.3 minutes per game, while shooting .450 from the field and .394 from three-point range. He’s posted five 20-point performances, including a career-high 23-point outing in a Dec. 10 victory over the Oklahoma City Blue. Highsmith shot 10-14 in that game and added six rebounds, three assists and career highs of four steals and two blocks. On Dec. 28 at Fort Wayne, Highsmith tallied 20 points as he shot a perfect 7-7 from the field, including 4-4 from three-point range, and 2-2 from the free-throw line, while adding six rebounds, two assists and two steals in the win.”

Highsmith spent four years at division two Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia. He’s a 3 and D wing player with a lot of upside, sort of a youngish Robert Covington type with a slightly better handle, in my opinion. That’s really what the Sixers need right now – two-way wing guys who can shoot a bit, play some defense, and beef up the bench. Demetrius Jackson found himself way down on the point guard depth chart with no real opportunity to break into the Sixers rotation, so the decision to let him go and sign Highsmith to the open two-way spot makes a lot more sense.

More from the release:

“…based upon this contract signing date, Highsmith can spend a maximum 24 service days with the 76ers this regular season, not including any time spent with Philadelphia following the conclusion of Delaware’s regular season.”

He’s an intriguing guy. A couple of highlight videos after the jump: