Heat's Jaime Jaquez Jr. named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month
By Wes Goldberg
Miami Heat standout rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month for October and November, the league announced Monday.
Jaquez, who is averaging 12 points on 52.5% shooting (39.3% on 3s), 3.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game, is the only Heat player to appear in all 20 games this season and has been one of the more pleasant surprises through the early portion of the season.
Jaquez, 22, has carved out a nightly role for the 11-9 Heat by being a reliable defender, cutter and playmaker. Coaches and teammates continue to praise his maturity.
The honor comes on the heels of increased national attention, including J.J. Redick saying on his podcast that Jaquez has been the NBA’s third-best rookie behind San Antonio’s Victor Wembenyama and Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren.
Last week, ESPN’s Zach Lowe on his podcast said affectionately, “It’s almost annoying what a perfect Heat player he is. … He’s very, very good.”
The Ringer boss and Celtics superfan Bill Simmons wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “I can’t root against (Jaquez) he’s too in my wheelhouse.”
The 18th overall pick in June’s draft ranks fifth in points, second in steals and second in fourth-quarter minutes among rookies. He has played the entire fourth quarter nine times this season. He already has three 20-point performances and has scored in double-figures in seven straight games, and in 12 of his last 13.
This marks the 10th time a Heat rookie has won the honor and the fifth player to do so, joining Caron Butler (four times), Kendrick Nunn (three times), Josh Richardson and Michael Beasley.