When the Miami Heat selected rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. in June, there was a collective scoff from coaches and executives across the league. Despite having the chance to pick Jaquez, particularly by the Lakers at No. 17, just one pick before the Heat, many considered him a player with immediate impact potential.
Coaches often face challenges persuading their front office and owners to choose players ready for immediate contribution, as there is a preference for the uncertainty surrounding high-upside prospects. The desire is always to discover the next Giannis Antetokounmpo rather than selecting a player who could become a dependable rotation player.
An assistant coach expressed, “The Miami Heat went and got the ideal Miami Heat player, and everyone just allowed them to do so.” He emphasized that although many admired Jaquez for his basketball IQ, defensive skills, and versatility, he fell in the draft because he wasn’t projected to average 20 points and become an All-Star. Owners typically shy away from selecting players with four years of college experience. However, those in the know recognized Jaquez as a winner, a formidable player.
Jaquez, however, remained unfazed. Confident in his abilities, he now finds himself in a role with the Miami Heat that suits him perfectly. He openly asserts that this is where he belongs.
“I just learned and felt like this is where I belong,” Jaquez remarked, as reported by the Miami Herald. “This is where I want to be in the NBA. I feel like I can play. There’s a lot of things I still need to learn, but I felt comfortable out there and I felt like I’m ready to play and that I belong in this league.”
But Jaquez was unfazed. Here he is, the ideal Miami Heat player in a position that suits him. And he’s not afraid to express it, declaring that he belongs here.
“I just learned and felt like this is where I belong,” Jaquez said, according to the Miami Herald. “In the NBA, this is where I want to be.” I believe I am capable of participating. There are many things I still need to learn, but I felt at ease out there and like I’m ready to play and belong in this level.”
Erik Spoelstra: Jaime Jaquez’s Experience ‘Matters’
Jaquez played 33 minutes in Miami’s 122-115 away win over Brooklyn on Thursday, the team’s sixth straight win. He has played 285.6 minutes this season, which ranks seventh among all rookies in the NBA.
Jaquez has averaged 9.2 points in 12 games with the Heat, shooting 49.5% from the field but only 29.7% from beyond the arc. He’s averaging 3.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, displaying a well-rounded inside-out game on both ends of the court.
Jaquez fell in the draft because he had been a four-year starter at UCLA and was now 22 years old. However, for the Miami Heat, this is a strength.
“This is a very experienced, mature, savvy, competitive player,” coach Erik Spoelstra told the Herald of Jaquez. “In college, he had a lot of really tough battles.” That is important to us. It makes no difference if it matters to anyone else. He’s played in huge games, had enormous duties on both sides of the court, and if he didn’t play well, it didn’t contribute to a win. He can make an impression where he is featured or, more often than not, where he is not featured. That is a skill.”
Facing off vs. Best in the NBA
Even at this early stage of his career, Jaime Jaquez has won the trust of Spoelstra and the veteran cast of players around him. On Thursday, he spent a large amount of time covering Nets star Mikal Bridges, who shot 6-for-15 from the field and finished with 23 points.
Jaquez has faced off against Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves, Jayson Tatum of the Celtics, and, of course, LeBron James of the Lakers.
But, once again, he was prepared. He has a place.
“I’m just figuring it out as I go.” “This is the game I’ve been playing my entire life,” Jaquez told the Herald. “This is everything I’ve ever wanted to do.” I knew I’d be ready when the opportunity arose. That’s why I went to college for four years to prepare for this, so I’d be prepared and confident in my abilities. To get out there and make an immediate impression. That was my intention all along.”
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