For some NBA fans, looking back at previous draft selections can be an enjoyable exercise; for others, it can be disheartening.
This past year is a prime illustration. The Miami Heat appear to have struck gold by selecting former UCLA standout Jaime Jaquez Jr. with the No. 18 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, despite the fact that the 2023–24 NBA season is still relatively early.
Conversely, those who are in favor of the purple and gold are upset that a local product that was highly anticipated and well-liked was overlooked in favor of a younger candidate (Jalen Hood-Schifino) who had greater potential.
Jaquez has proven to be one of this class’s best rookies thus far. He’s easily in the top three, with Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. Jaquez may even be a dark horse contender for the Rookie of the Year Award, according to some arguments.
For the Lakers, the most puzzling aspect is that Jaquez could have entered the game immediately away. He is currently a regular in Miami’s rotation and occasionally closes games for the Heat when it matters most.
Considering that Jaquez was a four-season standout player for UCLA and grew up in Southern California, it’s even more unbelievable.
For the Heat, he has been nothing short of extraordinary. He is averaging 13.7 points per game through 33 games while shooting 50.4 percent from the field, 35.4 percent from three-point range, and.85.2% from the free throw line. Additionally, he averages more than one steal every game.
In contrast, Hood-Schifino has a long list of injuries that bother him. He has averaged 2.6 points and 0.7 rebounds per game in seven Lakers games. In other words, he hasn’t contributed anything to this team.
“I am aware that some members of that group wished for Jaime Jaquez to continue playing for the Los Angeles Lakers in California. He is a tough kid and a grinder, and he was the ideal role model for what they needed,” Deveney writes. “Watching him last season, it was clear he was prepared to contribute to a strong NBA team. The Laker team was viewing Jalen in the same way that they usually do—using their picks to take bold chances rather than the safe route. However, what they really needed were players. And observe Jaquez’s actions. They definitely blew it.
JJJ is a perfect fit for the “Heat Culture.” He played for four years at UCLA, where Mick Cronin taught him how to compete at an extremely high level. He created a rough, hard, and aggressive game. Added to this was a high degree of skill, especially with regard to footwork.
Jaquez, who is much more athletic than people realize, has already shown that he can drive past larger opponents before stepping up to finish in the paint. Before reaching his favorite spots on the floor, he also intimidates smaller guards.
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