What the Miami Heat need to leave behind in 2023

Jaime Jaquez Jr. skepticism

To gain insight into the Miami Heat's drafting strategy, one simply needs to examine their recent history.

Players like Nikola Jovic, Precious Achiuwa, Tyler Herro, and Bam Adebayo were either fresh out of their freshman season or a similar age. It's necessary to go back to 2015 with Josh Richardson (Pick 40) and 2010 with Dexter Pittman (Pick 32) to find players with four-year college careers on their roster. Wayne Simien in 2005 was the last first-round pick with a four-year college career, and he was selected as the 29th pick. The Heat even drafted Dorrell Wright straight out of high school. Dwyane Wade and Caron Butler were both two-year players.

However, the Heat found themselves in a unique position during the 2023 NBA Draft. They secured Jaquez after a lackluster regular season that required them to earn the No. 8 seed through the Play-In Tournament. Most teams that reach the NBA Finals and are poised to contend for a title the following season typically have late first-round picks. 

Right from his first appearance in the preseason game, it was evident that Jaquez possessed something special. Rookies aren't expected to make such impressive plays, whether it's in the preseason or any other time. Even considering his four years of college experience and the scouting report highlighting his exceptional footwork, witnessing his skills so early and seamlessly was unexpected.

Jaquez possesses an exceptional work ethic that sets him apart. He exhibits relentless effort on both offense and defense, constantly seeking opportunities to intercept passes or secure defensive rebounds. Additionally, he showcases his agility by swiftly sprinting down the court during transitions, often culminating in impressive dunks. However, Jaquez's abilities extend beyond mere hustle. Growing up in Southern California, he idolized Kobe Bryant, and this admiration is evident in his precise footwork. 

Jaime’s deep understanding of the game and basketball IQ enable him to navigate the paint effectively and score points. Defensively, Jaquez's versatility shines through. Standing at 6-foot-7 with a wingspan of 6-foot-10, he can effectively guard multiple positions. Despite varying opinions and speculation, Jaquez embodies the Heat culture and performs with the confidence of a seasoned NBA player. As the recent recipient of the Rookie of the Month award, he has proven his worth and unquestionably belongs on this team. -- Stephanie Meadows