Can Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. make an immediate impact?

In advance of the start of training camp on Oct. 3, AllUCanHeat is analyzing the Miami Heat player-by-player. This installment focuses on rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr., who the Heat hope can make an immediate impact this season.

No matter the scouting report, the same few phrases keep popping up in describing Miami Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr.: Winning plays, hard-nosed, physical, feel for the game.

These words might as well have been pulled directly from the Heat’s mission statement. When the Heat selected Jaquez with the No. 18 pick in June’s draft, they knew they were drafting someone who represented their ethos. Here’s a more basketball-oriented scouting report on the 22-year-old forward, via NBA.com’s pre-draft profile:

“Jaquez has good size and strength for a forward. He has good footwork in the post and can create his own shot or generate looks for his teammates. Jaquez is a crafty finisher but has also shown the ability to step outside for jump shots from the midrange and three. He is a smart defender who is adept at reading passing lanes.”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 03: Jaime Jaquez Jr. #11 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket past D'Moi Hodge #55 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half during the 2023 NBA California Classic at Golden 1 Center on July 03, 2023 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The expectations for the Miami Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez

Training camp is approaching and Lillard trade talks are stalled, so it's time to start looking at what Jaime Jaquez can do for the Miami Heat this season.

The Heat believe Jaquez can earn a rotation role as soon as this season. At 6-foot-7, 225 pounds, he has the size to back up Jimmy Butler at small forward. In Summer League, he flashed his scoring and passing chops and showed he’s an NBA-ready defender who can occasionally turn steals into easy points in transition.

Jaquez’s percentage from 3-point range (career 32.8% at UCLA) and the free-throw line (73.7%) can stand to improve, and there will no doubt be a learning curve at the NBA level.

It was only a couple of months ago that the Heat ran into Christian Braun, the Denver Nuggets’ rookie forward who made a difference in the NBA Finals. It’s not often a first-year player can make such an impact, but the Heat are hopeful Jaquez can do the same for them.

Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Position: Forward
Ht./Wt.: 6-7/225
College: UCLA
Years pro: Rookie
2022-23: 17.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 33.2 minutes (college)
Contract status: In first year of four-year, $17 million deal ($3.5 million this season)

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