After an impressive Day 1 debut against the Lakers in Summer League, Jaime Jaquez Jr. looks to be an impressive steal in the draft. The former Pac-12 Player of the Year and Second Team All-American from UCLA may succeed in the NBA. He gets the benefit of learning from stars like Jimmy Butler. Additionally, he should be on a highly competitive team right away, especially if Damian Lillard finds his way to South Beach.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. Will Help Miami
Jaime scored 22 points and showed glimpses of his game that can fit well in Miami. Jaquez is an intelligent, controlled player that fits well into the offensive sets the Heat Summer League team ran last night. Furthermore, he was ready for the moment, something not always seen from draft picks entering Summer League.
How Jaquez Can Help Miami?
His Toughness and Physicality
Jaquez showed his toughness and physicality against the Lakers. He was physical on his drives to the basket and attacked the Lakers downhill constantly. Therefore, he put a presence into the game that the Lakers struggled to match. Miami is a physical team, as their players attack downhill and are incredibly physical on defense, setting screens, or driving to the basket. His physicality is a welcomed sign for Miami and allows him to help Miami this season.
Additionally, he is a tough player. Jaime does not get fazed by trash talk, missed shots, or different situations in the game. Jaquez Jr. plays to win, and his mental toughness was evident on Day 1.
His Offensive Versatility
Jaquez Jr. is a versatile player on the offensive end. In college, he played more in the mid-post and from the top of the court. However, last night, Jaime had more possessions coming off hand-offs and ball screens. Jaime used his 6’6” frame to attack downhill and get into his midrange game or lay-ups. Furthermore, he shot off those hand-offs, which Miami loves to run in their offense.
Additionally, Jaquez Jr. showed a better handle and shooting ability than presented at UCLA. Miami gets a player that fits into their system because of his offensive versatility.
Unselfish
Jaquez Jr. is a competitor that looks to get better. He yearns to win and develop his game to the next level. Miami loves players like that because they are individuals who want to win and be a part of a team. Pat Riley, Erik Spoelstra, and Jimmy Butler also stress the importance of the “We” over the “ME”. Jaime will help Miami because he is about the team and not himself. He did not force anything and let the game come to him by playing off his teammates.
Last Word
Jaquez Jr. will help Miami. He will work hard and develop his game to succeed in Miami. Furthermore, Jaime is a good player and fits the culture of the Heat. Game 1 of Summer League was only the first step in the success of Jaime Jaquez Jr.
