Entering his second season, Jamie Jaquez Jr. was looking to make a leap.
After Jaquez’s promising rookie year, many, including myself, thought he could be in the running to win the Sixth Man of the Year award. With all the hype coming into this season, Jaquez injured his groin early and has not looked the same since he returned from injury.
It’s been a disappointing second season for Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Jaquez has had moments this year of looking like his old self, but more times than not, it hasn’t been there for him. He needs to have the athleticism he showed last year. He looks like he doesn’t have a plan when trying to create. Jaquez’s best trait on offense is posting up and attacking the rim. He needs to do better.
If Jaquez can regain one of those skills, he would see the ball go through the hoop and that will help him get going.
It could be best for Miami to sit Jaquez for a game or two. Miami has depth and other options if Jaquez continues to struggle. Maybe this is a chance to play Nikola Jovic more. Jaquez has been allowed to play through his mistakes, but Jovic still needs to. Surprising second-round pick Pelle Larrson can also get some of Jaquez’s minutes.
Larsson is a better defender than Jaquez and has been more of a connector on offense. Alec Burks is another guy who should get another look. Burks can get hot from three and can create his shot. Throwing Burks out there for a game or two would be a good idea for Miami. Miami needs to switch up its rotation for a couple of games.
Jovic needs to play more than Jaquez. Jovic adds more size to the rotation and another ball handler. Also, Jovic is a better shooter than Jaquez. Jaquez has struggled for three this past season. Jaquez has shot from three (27.8%).
Jaquez should still be in Miami’s plan, but he needs to earn his way back into the lineup.
