Miami Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez making an impact by being patient on offense and defense
Miami Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez has lived up to all the expectations so far this season.
When he was drafted in June, the scouting report said he would contribute immediately. He hasn’t disappointed through 14 games, averaging 9.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists on 50 percent shooting.
“I’m trying to be aggressive but at the same time let the game come to me,” Jaquez said.
Jaquez scored double-figures in three of the last four games, including 19 in Monday’s victory against the Chicago Bulls. That was one point shy of his season-high.
Jaquez has taken advantage of the early absences of Caleb Martin and Tyler Herro to earn a spot in the rotation. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra is comfortable enough with Jaquez to play him during crucial fourth-quarter stretches.
The reason is simple: Jaquez isn’t a typical rookie. He played four years at UCLA, so he’s already more seasoned than most first-year players.
“He’s a more veteran feel, experience rookie, if that makes sense,” Spoelstra said. “He’s played in a lot of college games. It’s just a matter him getting comfortable in our system, how we do things and then learning the league. It’s not as if he’s greenn… It won’t be all great, there’s going to be some ups and downs. That’s natural for a young player.”
Shandel Richardson follows the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat, a Fan Nation channel for Sports Illustrated. He has covered the NBA since 2010.
