Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren And ... Jaime Jaquez?
Just a little over a month into the season Jamie Jaquez has displayed playmaking ability, vision, shot-making, and just an overall great feel for the game.
Nothing about his game screams rookie. Jaime has played a lot of basketball during his collegiate career at UCLA but the transition to the league has been seamless.
“Jaime Jaquez Jr., outside of Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama, has been the best rookie this year.” JJ Redick said on his Old Man and The Three Podcast
The Heat have used 12 different starting lineups in their first 18 games this season, battling through several injuries opening a door for Jaquez. That seemed to be all he needed and he took full advantage of the opportunity. He is averaging 17.6 points over the last five and has stepped up huge while the Heat desperately needed another scoring punch.
Jaquez earned the respect of head coach Erik Spoelstra and the Heat veterans right away.
“He plays like a baby Jimmy (Butler)," Heat guard Josh Richardson said
As crazy as it sounds if you watch Jaquez's game closely there are glimpses of Butler the footwork and ability to finish through contact are all there.
"I talk to Jimmy all the time when I'm on the bench. He's telling me what he sees and what I can do better.” Jaime Jaquez said
It’s still early and a rookie wall may come, but Jaquez is off to an amazing start for the Heat, and the All-Rookie first team is a goal that looks more than obtainable for him.
Devin Brown is a contributing writer to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at devinbrownjr95@gmail.com
