UCLA Basketball: All-American Wing Shines in Efficient NBA Debut

In true Jaime Jaquez Jr. fashion, the former UCLA star did a little bit of everything in his NBA debut.

Now a member of the Miami Heat, the 2023 first-round pick made his first professional appearance this past Wednesday versus the Detroit Pistons. Unsurprisingly, the man some call JJJ (Triple-J) made an immediate impact on Erik Spoelstra's team.

In 13 minutes, Jaquez Jr. was incredibly efficient -- going 3/3 from the floor for six points. In the process, he also accrued 2 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals. The Heat were +4 with Jaquez Jr. on the floor.

Jaime getting fancy!

We lead 39-32. Tune in on Bally Sports Sun 📺 pic.twitter.com/SIcZUsPVDy
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 26, 2023

It was fascinating to see how the Heat utilized Jaquez Jr. and his strengths as a player. Dating back to preps days at Camarillo High School, he's been known as a competitor with polished footwork despite being a big guard/small forward.

Knowing this, the Heat were not shy to isolate Jaquez Jr. at times, allowing him to utilize his craftiness with the ball. The clip above is a perfect example, as Jaquez looked like a 10-year NBA vet by facing up, slightly pump-faking, blowing by the defender, and finishing in traffic.

A steal and the most DRAMATIC roll ever for Jaime's first career bucket 😅 pic.twitter.com/jBzVoiHeMt
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 26, 2023

On his first possession, Jaquez Jr. brilliantly walled off the offensive player trying to drive the ball to the cup. Swiftly, Jaquez Jr. then raked down, made the steal, and executed a beautiful outlet pass to a streaking Tyler Herro down the court.

Later in the quarter, Jaquez Jr. was determined to get his first professional bucket. Facing up from near the three-point line in the corner of the floor, he pump-faked -- getting his defender to leave his feet -- before blowing by him and finishing deftly on the opposite side of the rim with his off-hand.

Not to say he'll become anywhere as good as his teammate, but we were definitely seeing a little bit of Jimmy Butler with these two possessions.

As many said before the draft, Jaquez Jr. and the Heat look like a perfect marriage. Though it's the very beginning of his professional career, JJJ appears to be the type of guy who can help teams win at a very high level.

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