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“I’m Focused On Winning”: Miami Rookie Throws Shade at Victor Wembanyama (Who Lost 12 Straight) vs Chet Holmgren Debate

Published 11/28/2023, 9:30 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

While most of the NBA world is primarily focused on Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama, another rookie, Jaime Jaquez Jr. is silently doing his job. The 22-year-old was the 18th overall pick of the season by the Miami Heat. The small forward averages 11.2 points this season but shows a glimpse of his talent now and then. With his team in the fifth position in the Eastern Conference tables, JJJ opened up about various factors about his mindset and his approach to the game.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. is not bothered about Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama debate

In an interview with ‘Hoopshype,’ JJJ opened up to Mike D. Stykes and the legendary Shaquille O’Neal. He was asked about his feelings when people only talk about Chet Holmgren and Wemby for the Rookie of the Year award and he said it does not include him. JJJ shared, “I don’t really pay attention to that. I’m focused on winning games, whether I was a rookie or not. That’s my main focus, win games. As far as that conversation, it’s not something I pay attention to.”

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USA Today via Reuters

He seems not to be bothered about the debate and is on a different mission altogether. Pairing up with Jimmy Butler, he is eyeing to win the NBA championship.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. has different goals for this season

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When asked about the realistic goals for the Heat, JJJ promptly replied, “We’re here to win. We’re trying to get back to the NBA Finals. I think we have a great team this year. We just need to stay healthy. I don’t think that’s unrealistic to get back to the Finals and say our goal is to win it.” He further added, “That’s why you play this game. You don’t play it to get second place.”

Talking about the rookie of the season hype, does Victor Wembanyama really deserve to win the prestigious award? His team lost 12 games in a stretch, and he is not being able to help. Apart from the Suns match, where he scored 38, we cannot really mention any noteworthy performance of his. Chet Holmgren on the other hand is consistently playing well for the OKC Thunder.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. Fills Up for Jimmy Butler in Heat’s Thumping of Trae Young and Co – 3 Key Takeaways From Hawks’ Upset

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We won’t be shocked if it turns out to be JJJ-Holmgren fighting for the award at the end of the season. Comment below to let us know who is a better rookie according to you.

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Written by:

Aviroop Mukherjee

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Aviroop is an NBA writer for Essentially Sports. His love for basketball initiated from his school days, where he at times practiced with the school basketball team. Following the League since 2018, he's in awe of King James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
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Edited by:

Ruth John