Miami Heat’s Summer League saw the return of rookie stand-out Jaime Jaquez Jr. to Las Vegas, and he delivered, just as he did as a rookie. Jaquez showed plenty of promise as a rookie and has built off that so far in Summer League. Let’s dive into Jaquez’s play so far.
Miami’s Young Star Returns to Summer League to Advance His Game
Summer League Surprise For The Heat
The Miami Heat’s Summer League squad surprisingly included Jaime Jaquez Jr., last season’s rookie stand-out. As impressive and effective as he was in his inaugural year, Jaquez recognized he needed more work. This decision speaks loudly of Jaquez, even after Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra echoed each other’s sentiments that Jaquez had exceeded his rookie expectations earlier in the offseason. Amid a season that saw Miami struggle offensively and hover around the play-in seeds, Miami’s rookie became one of the shining bright spots.
Showing up to the NBA’s 2024 Summer League showcase, Jaquez played in one game against the Boston Celtics, the same team that eliminated Miami in last season’s first playoff round, and the Oklahoma City Thunder. He averaged 26 points, eight rebounds, and shot 43 percent from three.
Jaquez’s Return To Las Vegas
The Miami Heat rookie propelled the team to a win over the Thunder on Monday, posting a 23-5-2-2 stat line. He shot over 50 percent from three and continued to be the leader and example to draft selections Kel’el Ware and Pelle Larsson. Having departed Las Vegas after playing in only two games, Jaquez will now focus on improving his long-distance shooting. According to Miami’s summer league coach, Dan Bisaccio, Jaquez is dedicated to improving this part of his game.
“That’s something Jaime works on day in and day out with [assistant] Eric Glass, sometimes twice a day,” Heat summer league coach Dan Bisaccio said. “He’s obsessive with his craft with his detail … I’m really happy to see it kind of progress like that.”
Summer League Was An Opportunity To Get Reps
It was a surprise when Jaquez announced he would play with the Heat in their summer league. After his first-year performance, no one would have side-eyed Jaquez for not participating in Las Vegas. Yet, after his time in Team USA’s training camp ended, he never left. The decision was his, and as he saw it, it was logical.
“There’s nothing better than getting game reps. You can’t beat it,” Jaquez said. “All the work that you do in the gym, it doesn’t matter if you can’t translate it to the game. To be able to come out here and compete in Team USA, those are game reps. Here (at summer league), those are game reps. I was happy and grateful to be able to do it.”
Jaquez’s Quest To Become A Solid Three Point Shooter
Despite an impressive rookie season, Miami’s now second-year man intends to craft specific aspects of his game to make him a better player. He averaged 32.2 percent from three last season, one element that unquestionably needs retouching. Becoming a dependable floor spacer will help his game and the play of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
Working with Heat assistant coach Glass throughout this offseason has so far proved productive. Hand-on-ball placement on three-point attempts is a key focus. Already a solid mid-range shooter, Jaquez is hard at work seeking results from just a little further out.
