The Miami Heat has had numerous good performances this season, with Norman Powell and Kel'el Ware taking the top spots among most fans. Head coach Erik Spoelstra has spearheaded development across the board, including Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Before this season, Jaquez had an underwhelming sophomore campaign. He was supposed to become one of the most reliable players, but it did not pan out. Thankfully for Jaquez, his third NBA season has been a return to form for him.
Jaquez has succeeded in his sixth man role
This season, Jaquez has become one of the best players on the Heat, mainly because he is playing his optimal role. As a sixth man, Jaquez can focus on making an impact offensively.
At the same time, Spoelstra also implemented a new system this season. The Heat's offense mostly consists of fast-paced play, which is seen in how fast they play basketball.
The Heat can always rely on them to run in transition, and Jaquez is one of the most efficient players in transition with his ability to get to the rim and spot up for a shot.
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This season, Jaquez is averaging 16.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. In the 31 games he has played, he has only started one. That should make him one of the leading candidates for Sixth Man of the Year by the end of the season. Spoelstra is glad to see this development because he has always seen Jaquez's potential.
"He understands what his role is for us. And I was really talking about his competitive spirit and his voice being really consistent. You know, we need that type of competitive edge throughout our roster," Spoelstra said about Jaquez's growth this season.
"He's been a great example of that, and he's been consistent with his paint attacks all year, and he's continuing to improve with his decision-making."
Moving forward, Jaquez will be one of the best options the Heat have. They see him as a sixth man, but he will likely finish games on the floor. The Heat have all the tools to become a top team, and having an elite sixth man is such a big boost for this team.
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