Why is Jaime Jaquez Jr. ‘deserving’ of the sixth man of the year

ByNBAUSA


MIAMI – Like The Miami Heat were on the rise after upsetting the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, it was the result of a tremendous collective effort from the starting line-up to the bench, the latter led by the latter Jaime Jaquez Jr. in his third year. Doc Jaquez was labeled a “great role model” for the Heat would Erik Spoelstra in the past, the UCLA product has also been touted as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate.

Jaquez has been key to Miami’s success this season in buying into a free and fast system that lends to his strength in using his physicality to get downhill and score at will. After a disappointing sophomore year after being named to the All-NBA First Team in his first season, Jaquez rebounded significantly, as he is undoubtedly the first person off the bench to give the Heat a boost.

He averaged 16.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 53.3 percent from the field, even leading the entire NBA in bench points with 530, 53 points ahead of Naz Reed of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Spoelstra would tell ClutchPoints before Saturday’s game against Minnesota that Jaquez “deserve” sixth man of the year.

“I would like to see him get that award and I think he deserves it,” Spoelstra said. “He’s just got to keep playing at this level. He’s an impact in winning for us. So I think that’s the most important thing. I don’t think him having a chance to win that award takes anything away from our team. It just adds to what we’re trying to do. But he’s been really important to our game. Both sides of the court.”

Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) reacts against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at the Casey Center.
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Jacques had a big role in showing the Heat’s formula for success this seasonbut there’s no doubt it’s benefited him personally, moving away from last season’s attempt to include three-point shooting as an emphasis. What made him successful in his rookie season was his ability to drive to the paint and take advantage of defenders at the rim.

Now in his third season, his decision-making has improved dramatically, as when he gets into the restricted zone, he knows when to get a bucket or pass to a player, whether driving down the lane or from the three-point line. No one can deny that he made an impact in the win, having the fifth-best plus/minus among bench players at plus-154.

“Man, I think he can do it” Heat captain Bam Adebayo told ClutchPoints last Tuesday. “I like the fact that Jaime is trying to play the right way. He’s not trying to overdo it. He’s getting to his spot and we’re living with those shots that he’s taking.”

Only one other Miami player has won the honor, and that was Tyler Hero in 2021-22, as Jacquez could join him if he continues to produce. If anything is certain, he has the support of his team.

“He should definitely be in the Sixth Man of the Year category,” Norman Powell told ClutchPoints. “He’s done a great job all year putting his stamp on the game and helping us win close games or helping us open up some games with his style of play and the power of his downhill offense that he brings every night.”

Miami is 18-15 before Saturday and Sunday’s games against the Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans.





2026-01-03 21:20:00

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