Jaime Jaquez Jr. On Slam Dunk Contest Controversy: "I'm Retiring From Dunking"
Miami Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. had the privilege of competing in multiple All-Star Weekend events, but neither went his way.
In the Panini Rising Stars, Jaquez's team was knocked out in the opening round by a group that included Heat guard Alondes Williams. Meanwhile, the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest is where controversy spread across the nation.
Jaquez was eliminated in the first round along with New York Knicks' Jacob Toppin. Many believed that the judges made the wrong choice by advancing Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown instead of Jaquez or Toppin.
The Heat rookie commented on whether he agreed with social media's negative outlook on the judges decisions.
"Yeah, like, I don't know. Let me pick my words carefully. I would've went some other way with some choices, but it's not up to me," Jaquez told Inside the Heat's Anthony Pasciolla. "It's up to the judges, so they had their guy. They had their pick, but I think after this, I'm retiring from dunking."
The former UCLA Bruin shared that the positive side of the weekend involved exploring the city of Indianapolis while sprinkling in comedy when discussing the NBA's choice of city.
"I'd describe it as a very busy, hectic, eventful weekend, so there was a lot of great things running around the city of Indianapolis," Jaquez said. "I wish they would've picked a little warmer city, but you can't complain when you're having fun."
Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat.
He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on Instagram @anthony.pasciolla.
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