Inside The Heat

Video Proves Miami Heat's Jaime Jaquez Lived Up To Everything He Promised Upon Arrival

The Heat paid a tribute on Thursday to their second year shooting guard on social media.
Scott Salomon|
Apr 29, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic (5), and Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) reach for the ball against Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) during the first quarter of game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Michael Laughlin-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic (5), and Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) reach for the ball against Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) during the first quarter of game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Michael Laughlin-USA TODAY Sports | Michael Laughlin-USA TODAY Sports

During his introductory press conference after being selected by the Miami Heat in the first round of last year's NBA Draft, Jaime Jaquez, Jr. said that all he does is make big plays that have an impact on the game.

He was right about that.

"I'm just a guy that makes an impact on the game. I feel like that is my biggest quality, just making impactful winning plays and that's getting steals," Jaquez Jr. said. "Getting a deflection. Getting a big rebound. It's just little things that really impact a game in a major way is something that I really try to do in my game."


The broadcast calls by team announcer Eric Reid in an X post by the Heat proved Jaquez Jr. did everything that he promised and more. He was always good for an intangible play or two that helped turn the game around.

It was a strong rookie season for Jaquez Jr. who averaged 11.9 points for the Heat in 28 minutes. He played in 75 of the 82 games and also averaged almost four rebounds, three assists and one steal.

The 6-foot-6, 225-pound Jaquez Jr. should return healthy this fall with hopes of improving on his All-Rookie season. He did not play in Game 5 loss against the eventual champion Boston Celtics after sustaining a hip flexor in Game 4. Jaquez has already decided against playing for Mexico in the Olympics this summer, so he is putting his entire offseason into preparing for his second season.

Scott Salomon is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at scottsalomon67@gmail.com.

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Scott Salomon
SCOTT SALOMON

Scott Salomon joined On SI in April 2024, covering breaking news and analysis for various On SI channels. Scott covers the NFL, College Football, MLB, and the WNBA. Scott has been covering local and national sports for over 35 years. Scott graduated from the University of Miami School of Communication and the St. Thomas University School of Law. Scott is also a member of the PFWA and the FWAA. Follow Scott Salomon on X @ScottSalomonNFL.