Jaime Jaquez Jr. Continues to Struggle Since Returning From Injury
Jaime Jaquez Jr. has struggled in the five games he has played since returning from a groin injury.
The Miami Heat rookie scored seven points in the 103-95 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers Sunday. Jaquez made just three of 11 shots in 25 minutes.
The forward has played five games since reentering the Heat’s lineup. He has averaged 6.2 points over that stretch. Jaquez has made just two 3-pointers on 31 percent shooting from the field.
His role has changed as the Heat have gotten healthier. Jaquez entered the starting lineup when others battled injuries. He averaged 15.7 points during the seven games before his injury.
Jaquez’s role has since been reduced to coming off the bench. He has yet to play more than 25 minutes during that time. His recent struggles have not been helped by his lack of court time and inefficient shooting.
So where are the struggles coming from? It could be teams have figured out Jaquez. He had 15 points in the Heat’s Jan. 1 matchup with the Clippers, but only had seven points in the rematch.
Jaquez’s woes could also be attributed to a lack of a defined role. He scored double-digit points in five of the 18 games he played fewer than 30 minutes.
He still has time to develop as an NBA player, but his recent struggles have hurt the Heat. They have lost eight of 10l falling to eighth in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Heat return to action Tuesday against the Orlando Magic.
Casey Fahrer is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at caseyfahrer716@gmail.com.
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