Jaime Jaquez Jr. is one of the most talked about rookies out of the 2023 NBA Draft class. The 22-year-old found himself in an extremely stable environment after being selected by the Miami Heat this year. Jaquez was drafted as the 18th overall pick, but he’s been spoken about a lot these days, especially due to his flawless skills on the court. Miami needs to hold on to him for as long as they can considering how much potential he’s got.
The South Beach team is popularly known for the “Heat Culture”, something they firmly stand by. This culture describes the atmosphere and how things are carried out within the organization. Over the years, Miami became a hotspot where NBA players would come to mold themselves into tougher beings. The Heat has always been a group that displays a lot of team work, determination, and effort. Especially over the last few years, Jimmy Butler has been a prime example of what the Heat Culture stands for.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. got some crazy bounce 🤯
(🎥 @wcgoldberg ) pic.twitter.com/VYba0OYpDZ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 6, 2023
During the Heat’s ongoing training camp, Jaime Jaquez Jr. was seen throwing down monstrous dunks. Fans couldn’t help but notice his agility and athleticism. He looks incredibly fit and ready to take on this new chapter of his life. Jaquez will be starting his professional career under the wing of one of the greatest coaches ever, Erik Spoelstra. Butler will also be a great mentor to work with considering how he has been making a name for himself in the league lately.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. didn’t mind being traded from the Heat
At times, rookies often get traded before making their debut with the team that drafts them. We’ve seen it happen with Trae Young and Luka Doncic as well as Kobe Bryant. Unfortunately, Jaime Jaquez Jr. was on the verge of joining these players this off-season. Miami was involved in a massive trade scenario that involved 7x All-Star Damian Lillard. The veteran’s former team showed interest in the 18th pick and the Heat were considering shipping him off as well.
Amidst these rumors, Jaquez described his feelings about being traded. He told the Miami Herald, “I won’t lie, at first it was in the back of my head. Like what’s going to happen? Am I going to leave? You never know. But as we moved on and time went on, I just got really comfortable in my situation that whatever happens happens. I just believe it’s all a part of a bigger plan. Things happen for a reason. If I stay, great. If I get traded, it was fun while it lasted. But I try not to worry about that. I can only control what I can control.”
Jaime took these rumors like a champ and expressed his intentions to focus on the game of basketball. Ultimately, the trade between the Heat and Portland Trail Blazers did not work out. Miami was excluded from the trade as well. Lillard was sent to the Milwaukee Bucks via a three-team deal instead.
