Rookie Jaime Jaquez Reveals Who He Contacted First After Getting Drafted

As expected, Miami Heat’s rookie Jaime Jaquez is already forming connections in South Beach.

On a recent episode of Paul George’s podcast Podcast P With Paul George, Jaquez mentioned former Heat player Udonis Haslem as the first person he reached out to after getting selected in the 2023 NBA Draft.

“UD, Udonis Haslem, I reached out to him and let him know,” Jaquez said. “He's the OG of the Miami Heat, so I felt it was only right for me to reach out to him. Let him know I'm excited to be a part of the organization. I got to check in with him, so hopefully we go grab some lunch when I get out to Miami. Like I said, I just couldn't be more happy and excited to live out my dream.”

"He's the OG of Miami Heat. So I felt it's only right for me to reach out to him. Let him know I'm excited to be a part of the organization."

Jaime Jaquez Jr. on checking in with Udonis Haslem after getting drafted

(via @PodcastPShow)pic.twitter.com/ZqusuBhlyV
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 7, 2023

Some people might’ve expected Jaquez to contact star Jimmy Butler first but Haslem made more sense. Of course, Haslem retired after this season but his career is one-of-a-kind. Considering he spent his entire career in a Heat uniform while many of his teammates decided to leave, his loyalty speaks volumes. It’s also why he is looked up to by many young players.

Another reason Jaquez talked to Haslem first could be because of the similarities in draft stories. Haslem went undrafted in 2002, mainly because of his size. When he joined Chalon-sur-Saone in France, he averaged 16 points and nine rebounds, eventually earning his NBA spot.

Though Jaquez got drafted, it wasn’t easy. After getting passed on by teams, he was finally chosen by the Heat as the 18th overall pick. So far, he proved his doubters wrong with a 22-point performance in his Summer League debut against the Los Angeles Lakers. But we all know the season is a lot tougher.

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.