Jaime Jaquez Jr. made a triumphant return to the Summer League, leading the Miami Heat to a 119-114 victory over the Boston Celtics.
In his standout performance, Jaquez scored 29 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, showcasing his growth and determination. Reflecting on his role, Jaquez discussed the shift from being a “hunter” as a rookie to now being “hunted” after a year in the league.
Jaquez, who was the 18th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, quickly became a key player for the Heat. As a rookie, he earned back-to-back Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month honors, finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting, and secured a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. His goals for the Summer League include improving his game and developing his leadership skills, both on and off the court.
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Miami’s Summer League head coach, Dan Bisaccio, praised Jaquez’s leadership and hard work, noting his ability to organize and settle the team. Jaquez’s inclusion in the Summer League also aligns with his participation in Team USA’s Select Team, where he has been practicing with top NBA stars.
Jaquez attributes his decision to play in the Summer League to the Heat’s culture of constant improvement. He emphasized the importance of using this opportunity to hone his skills and help younger teammates. With high expectations for his second season, Jaquez is focused on stepping up and contributing to the team’s success.
Miami, coming off a season where they finished eighth in the Eastern Conference, will next face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas. Jaquez’s performance and leadership will be pivotal as the Heat aim to build on their Summer League success.
