The Miami Heat dominated the Chicago Bulls tonight as they secured their playoff berth against the Boston Celtics. With Jimmy Butler sidelined – courtesy of a sprained MCL – Tyler Herro and rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. stepped up to get the 112-91 victory. Butler’s timeline for return is still in the wind and under such circumstances, there’s no doubt the team will turn to Herro and Jaquez for help. With good reason, too. And which Stephen A. Smith already knew during the Heat’s draft night in 2023.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. was selected 18th and the veteran analyst was on set for the occasion. Apparently, the Mexican phenom was someone he had been keeping a close eye on. Smith gave credit to the 23-year-old for his skills as a shooter. “Someone they can put points without asking Bam or Jimmy Butler from the 2-point range; he [Jaime Jaquez Jr.] can do that. And you want people you can put on the floor at money time! And he certainly one of those guys.”

“Juan Wick” certainly is! And he proved it once again tonight. Jaime finished the night as the team’s second-best scorer with 21 points, six assists, and six rebounds. Last season also saw the Heat defeat the Bulls for the final spot in the East. But of course, they had to admit loss to the Nuggets in the Finals. This time, though, they will be facing the Celtics, and it’s not going to be an easy ride.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. – the lucky charm of “Magic City”

Jaime’s start in Miami wasn’t smooth. He played just two games during the 2023 Summer League before being sidelined with a shoulder injury. The 2023-24 season saw him on minute restriction due to a preseason groin injury. But soon the story took a sharp turn. The absence of veterans Butler and Kevin Love got Jaquez promoted to fill in their spot.

The Heat knew that Jaime Jaquez Jr. had basketball blood running in his veins and he created enough chaos in Camarillo High School and UCLA to be considered a borderline top prospect. Hence, putting him up with the starters wouldn’t be the worst decision.

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After all, they still had Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro to pick up the slack. Yet, Jaquez stepped up to fill in the shoes big time. The 23-year-old’s passing ability and footwork have been imperative in the task. In the absence of Jimmy Butler, he was entrusted with the responsibility to pass the ball to Duncan Robinson for a 3-pointer in the crucial minute of their 2023-24 season opening. And they ended up winning 103-102. “That was one of the pleasant surprises about him was his advanced skill set,” coach Erik Spoelstra tells The Ringer.

As the regular season ends, the 23-year-old’s stat line looks like this – 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.0 steals. He is also shooting a neat 48.9% from the field and an impressive 81.1% success rate on free throws.

As opposed to the injuries in the beginning, ‘Triple J’ has been the most consistent of Spoelstra’s squad, appearing in 75 games and starting 20. He also holds the second position when it comes to the highest number of minutes this season at 2,113. Suffice it to say that he has surpassed all expectations. And while he was considered to be a ROTY contender for a time, he most certainly qualifies for the All-Rookie team.