Miami Heat’s Summer League Shines with Jaime Jaquez Jr.
The Miami Heat welcomed the return of rookie standout Jaime Jaquez Jr. to the Summer League in Las Vegas, where he continued to impress, building on his promising rookie season. Let’s take a closer look at Jaquez’s performance and what it means for his development.
Miami’s Young Star Advances His Game in Summer League
Summer League Surprise for the Heat
Jaime Jaquez Jr., who made a significant impact in his rookie season, returned to the Miami Heat’s Summer League squad. Despite his impressive debut year, Jaquez recognized the need for further development. This decision underscores his commitment to improvement, even after Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra praised his performance earlier in the offseason. Amid a challenging season where Miami struggled offensively, Jaquez emerged as a bright spot.
Performance in the 2024 Summer League
In the NBA’s 2024 Summer League, Jaquez played two games against the Boston Celtics, who eliminated Miami in the previous season’s first playoff round, and the Oklahoma City Thunder. He averaged 26 points, eight rebounds, and shot 43 percent from three-point range.
Jaquez’s Return to Las Vegas
The Miami Heat rookie led the team to a victory over the Thunder, posting a 23-5-2-2 stat line while shooting over 50 percent from three-point range. He continued to lead by example, mentoring draft picks Kel’el Ware and Pelle Larsson. After his two-game stint, Jaquez is now focusing on improving his long-distance shooting. According to Miami’s summer league coach, Dan Bisaccio, Jaquez is dedicated to enhancing this aspect of his game.
“Jaime works on his shooting day in and day out with [assistant] Eric Glass, sometimes twice a day,” said Bisaccio. “He’s obsessive with his craft and his detail… I’m really happy to see his progress.”
Summer League: An Opportunity for Reps
Jaquez’s decision to play in the Summer League came as a surprise. After a stellar first year, no one would have questioned his absence in Las Vegas. However, following his stint at Team USA’s training camp, he chose to stay and compete.
“There’s nothing better than getting game reps. You can’t beat it,” Jaquez said. “All the work you do in the gym doesn’t matter if you can’t translate it to the game. Competing with Team USA and in the Summer League provided valuable game reps. I was happy and grateful for the opportunity.”
Jaquez’s Quest to Become a Solid Three-Point Shooter
Despite an impressive rookie season, Jaquez aims to refine specific aspects of his game, particularly his three-point shooting. He averaged 32.2 percent from beyond the arc last season, an area he’s determined to improve. Becoming a reliable floor spacer will benefit both his game and the performances of teammates Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
Working with Heat assistant coach Eric Glass throughout the offseason, Jaquez has focused on hand placement and shooting mechanics. Already a solid mid-range shooter, he is diligently working to extend his range and see results from further out.
With his dedication and work ethic, Jaime Jaquez Jr. is poised to make significant strides in his second year, further enhancing his role with the Miami Heat.
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