Miami Heat’s rookie talent, Jaime Jaquez Jr., has made another major move in his career by signing with the renowned Jordan Brand. The brand is preparing to expand its representation in the NBA. Apart from Jaquez Jr. the brand signed three other rookies which include Marcus Sasser of the Detroit Pistons, Cam Whitmore of the Houston Rockets, and Jett Howard of the Orlando Magic.
The signing of Jaquez Jr. is more special due to his Mexican nationality. He is just the third player from Mexico to be drafted into the NBA, making it a historic moment for Mexican basketball. Expressing his excitement of Signing with Jordan Brand Jaquez Jr. said, “The emotion that came to mind when I found out I was going to be a Jordan Brand athlete was pure excitement. It’s a dream come true. I’ve been playing in Jordan Brand shoes my whole life, but to be officially signed is another level of exclusivity.”
Jaime Jaquez Jr. has signed with Jordan Brand 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/oOUItHsF37
— Playbook Sports (@PlaybookSN) October 13, 2023
Jordan Brand’s strategy in recent times has been interesting. Last year they added players like Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, and Luka Doncic as their signature athletes and also acquired the number one Draft picks in both the NBA and WNBA. Their increasing presence in the WNBA and adding college and high school talents like Kiki Rice and Kiyomi McMiller show their commitment to the future of basketball.
Rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. draws comparisons with NBA Legends
In the ongoing NBA preseason matches, Jaime Jaquez Jr. has continued to show his capability as a player. In his recent game against the Charlotte Hornets, he scored 13 points and seven rebounds in just 24 minutes of play. He is getting attention for his mature playing style from everyone including from his coach.
Miami Heat’s head coach, Erik Spoelstra, provided some insights on Jaquez Jr.’s impressions, stating, “I think without giving the obvious comparison, he’s watched a great deal of Kobe [Bryant] and Jimmy [Butler]. I think it takes any unique person to be that observant and then have that kind of patience to be able to work on something, particularly as a young player. You know, most young players are sped up and they’re trying to do everything so fast. He has a patience to his game.”
That’s nasty work, Jaime 😬 (just wait for the replay) pic.twitter.com/OSxieFAhMu
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 11, 2023
Spoelstra, highlighted Jaquez Jr.’s unique observational skills and patience on the court, comparing his playstyle to NBA legends Kobe Bryant and Jimmy Butler. Spoelstra stated that most rookies rush their game, but Jaquez Jr. has rare patience in his game.
“Man, I think that goes back to my park days. Just watching guys like that on the low post, I was trying to go to the park and put that in my game,” Jaquez Jr. said after the game. “So it started at a really young age. Just watched the way they move. Imitation is a really great way of learning. So I just watched them and tried to copy it.”
