Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. has made an immediate impact and been one of the best rookies so far this season, ranking first in steals per game (1.1), fifth in points (11.2) while shooting 50.7 percent from the field, and 40 percent from beyond the arc.
In his last 10 games entering Sunday, Jaquez Jr. has become an increased fixture in Miami’s rotation, averaging 14.9 points on 52.2 percent from the field, 50 percent from downtown and 4.5 rebounds.
Jaquez Jr., who appears on his way to making an All-Rookie Team, sat down with HoopsHype and discussed the biggest adjustments to NBA rookie life, the meaning of Heat culture behind the scenes, pushing back against the notion of four-year college players having a lesser ceiling than younger draft prospects, dealing with the Damian Lillard trade rumors, and more.