Jaime Jáquez: Record-Breaking Rookie of the Year Candidate in the NBA

Miami Heat forward Jaime Jáquez was one of the surprises of this season in the NBA, where he achieved a new record for Mexican athletes and is on the list of candidates for rookie of the year.

Jáquez finished the year with a career-high 31 points and 10 boards for his first double-double in the Association, and he became a key player in the Heat’s victory over Philadelphia.

The good pace of the Mexican in his first year with the NBA has led him to go from a trade chip to being a key part of the team, according to Nick Friedell of ESPN, Heat offered a package for Damian Lillard that included the rights to Jáquez, Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson and Nikola Jovic.

After his first games as an NBA professional, Jáquez leads the table of Mexicans with the most points in an NBA game by surpassing Juan Toscano-Anderson.

The Mexican is part of the list of candidates for Rookie of the Year along with great favorites such as Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren.

Jaime Jáquez in the NBA

The 22-year-old was chosen by the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft, after some teams rated him as second-round material; However, Heat opted for him by selecting him.

Jáquez is notable for playing as a forward and shooting guard, he participated in the NBA Draft that began in April and had private training with teams such as the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and San Antonio Spurs.

Jaquez was also named Rookie of the Month and is ranked fourth on the list of top rookie of the year candidates.

JAIME JÁQUEZ Jaime Jáquez sets a new record for a Mexican in the NBA with the Miami Heats (Photo: EFE)

Jaime Jáquez and his numbers at the university

During his time at Camarillo High School, Jaquez recorded figures of 31.7 points, 11.7 boards, 3.7 assists and 2.1 steals per game; in addition to his contribution to winning the Coastal Canyon League title and becoming an attraction for UCLA and NBA scouts.

Jáquez joined his final year with UCLA during his senior campaign, the 2022-2023 season saw Jáquez average 17.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game and take the honors as Second Team All-American and Pac-12 Player of the Year winner.

At the end of the campaign, in which he reached the March Mandes regional semifinals and confirmed his name to be eligible in the 2023 Draft.

2023-12-29 05:35:56
#Jaime #Jáquez #Mexican #win #rookie #year #NBA