The new era of the Miami Heat is headlined by the star power of Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, but since the 2023 NBA Draft, the team has also invested heavily in another player. Although Jaime Jaquez Jr. proved a lot during his four-year college career, he still has plenty of development ahead of him in the NBA. Jaquez, the Mexican-American out of the University of California Los Angeles, was selected with the 18th pick in the NBA Draft following a career with the Bruins that earned him PAC-12 Player of the Year honors and Consensus Second-Team All-American status. He also led UCLA to a Final Four appearance in 2021.
Since joining the NBA, Jaquez Jr. has shown that, despite being 24 and in only his second year, he still has room to grow. In almost two full seasons in the league, 'Triple J' has been named to the Rising Stars Game twice during All-Star Weekend and was featured on the All-Rookie First Team last season. As a rookie, he even participated in the NBA Dunk Contest, proving that he’s not lacking in confidence.
Currently, the Heat are enduring their longest losing streak since Erik Spoelstra became head coach, dropping their last nine games in a row. While this is a major concern and puts them at risk of missing the Play-In Tournament, a silver lining for the Heat is that Jaquez is beginning to return to his best form. This season, ‘Triple J’ has faced a number of setbacks, including a sprained ankle and stomach issues, causing him to miss 12 of the team’s 69 games. As to that stat, ‘Coach Spo’ shared that when Jaime gets a consistent run of games, that's when he’s at his best.
Coach Spoelstra on Jaime's second season
“The whole deal this year with him is extended time where he’s been healthy,’’ said Spoelstra.
“He’s dealt with things you can’t even predict. The stomach issues and all that. He was several times on track to start playing better and then always something would come up. So that’s what I was saying right now, it’s just been extended time where he’s been healthy, he’s been out there and he’s got a skillset that we like.’’
Jaime finding his rhythm
This season, Jaime is averaging almost nine points in 21 minutes per game for the Heat. These numbers are three points and seven minutes fewer than his averages from last season. Despite this, Jaquez understands that the NBA is a business, and no matter how his minutes fluctuate, he needs to be “ready when his number’s called.”
Jaquez also reflected on Coach Spoelstra’s comments, finding his rhythm again, and navigating through the team’s current struggles.
“Man… Losing is the most challenging part. No one wants to lose, no one likes to lose… (Consistency) it’s something that I’ve struggled with. I know I got sick a bunch of times and I sprained my ankle. So it’s kinda just been in and out, but now I’m feeling good. Really healthy and just trying to do what I can to help the team win.’’
Although the team's current situation isn't ideal, this will contribute to Jaime's development both on and off the court, helping the Heat's effort to recover and return to playoff contention.