How Jaime Jaquez Jr. was a ‘great example’ for Miami

MIAMI – Like It looks like the Miami Heat will get better as the season goes on continues, amid an up-and-down season so far, the only constant this season has been performance Jaime Jaquez Jr., currently in his third NBA season. Doc Jaquez brought some clarity to the Heat as for his role, the head coach Erik Spoelstra talks about his progress since entering the league from the NBA draft.

Jaquez has been a major bright spot for Miami this season, especially after a sophomore season in which he struggled to replicate his freshman year. With the Heat making a change in their offensive system, emphasizing a fast and free style, he was given a chance to showcase Jaquez’s downhill and physicality.

The 24-year-old’s role is clear in Miami as he has been the first player off the bench in every game, and many have him in the running for Sixth Man of the Year honors. So far this season, Jaquez is averaging 16.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game while shooting 52.1 percent from the field.

“Yes, he had a clear mind,” Spoelstra told ClutchPoints before Monday’s game against the Nuggets, the team’s final game in 2025. “He understands what his role is for us. And I really talked about his competitive spirit and his voice being really consistent. You know, we need that kind of competitive edge throughout our roster.”

“He’s been a great example of that, and he’s been consistent with his attacks in the paint all year, and he continues to improve his decision-making,” Spoelstra continued. “Teams are sending more defenders when he’s driving, pulling him in certain instances, and I think he’s getting better at that in the long run.”

Erik Spoelstra was asked about Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s progress. mentally achieved to become undoubtedly the sixth man.

“He had a bright mind…I really spoke of his competitive spirit and steady voice…he was a great example of that…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/OvrV5IlcPz

— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) December 29, 2025

Heat’s Erik Spoelstra exclaims Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s ‘consistency’

At the time when some Heat players needed rest due to injuries such as Bam Adebayo recently and even with continuous absence Tyler Herrothe team needs this kind of production and energy from Yakuez. If there was one aspect that Jacques wanted of himself, it was to be “consistent”, with Spoelster stamping that label on him.

After Miami’s win over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday, where Jacquez scored 28 points without Adebayo and Hero, Spoelstra would point out the “competitive will” the UCLA product has.

“He’s been very consistent this year,” Spoelstra said. “And I know there was tension, you know, when we were losing those games, he missed some shots, and there were some moves he could have made, but competitive will and competitive spirit, that’s what we need.”

“And he’s all about it, and now he’s more comfortable in his role to start using his voice more, which is great, too,” Spoelstra continued. “What we need are touches of paint. We need that aggressiveness, those things where he can create something out of nothing. Good teams have that quality.”

Asked Erik Spoelstra about Jaime Jaquez Jr. once again had a great game from the bench:

“He’s been very consistent all year and I know it was difficult when we were losing those games, he was missing shots, but competitive spirit, that’s what we need…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/psco25IvSL

— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) December 28, 2025

Either way, Jaquez looks to continue his impressive outings in hopes of potentially being the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year, as the last time a Heat player won the honor was Tyler Hero in 2022. Perhaps more importantly, Jaquez looks to help the Heat as he did before Monday’s 1-on-1 game against the Nuggets in a 5-on-17 opportunity. momentum.