The Miami Heat have a keen eye for spotting talent and uncovering hidden gems. Whether they draft players or find them elsewhere, Erik Spoelstra and his coaching staff excel at identifying individuals who fit well into their system.
Furthermore, they’re open to selecting older players if they fit the team’s needs. This was evident when they picked Jaime Jaquez Jr. from UCLA last season.
He quickly became a reliable part of the rotation and looks poised for a more significant role next season.
In a recent NBA 2K Summer League game, Jaquez Jr. showcased his skills with 29 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and a steal, as highlighted by the NBA on Twitter.
Having already spent a year in the league, he appeared more comfortable and composed than many other players on the court.
For a while, there’s been talk about Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo needing another star teammate.
Initially, the Heat had hoped Tyler Herro would fill that role, but perhaps Jaquez Jr. could step into that spot. He demonstrates excellent footwork and is a hard worker on both offense and defense.
While he might not score 29 points every game, he contributes across the board and fills up the stat sheet effectively.