Doc Rivers In Awe Of Mami Heat's Ability To Find Players Like Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez

Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers says the Miami Heat have found hidden gems in Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez the past two drafts

The Miami Heat had the No. 27 and No. 18 picks in the past two NBA drafts because of their success. 

It's safe to say they made the most of their selections. 

The Heat turned those choices into Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez, who have been consistent contributors since their arrivals. Their ability to become instant impact players despite being low draft picks has impressed many, including Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers. 

 “Just Miami does it again,” Rivers said recently. “It’s funny, I was not even in a competitive role, honestly, but it pissed me off. Like how do they keep getting these guys in the 20s? They keep doing it. “And basically the reason is, and I even asked Erik this — and that time he would tell me, I don’t think he would tell me any more — they kind of target guys that fit their culture and the way they want to play.”

Jovic had 24 points on eight 3-pointers in the Heat's victory against the Bucks earlier this week. Jaquez was arguably a candidate for Rookie of the Year before he was slowed by a hamstring injury. Still, he will participate in the Rising Stars game and dunk contest during All-Star weekend. 

“Jaquez, I mean, he’s the perfect fit for who they are and how they want to be,” Rivers said.  “You know, it’s funny, I think certain guys actually target them, ‘Man, I’d fit in this system.’ Utah did that for years with Jerry Sloan. They kept doing it. And Miami’s doing it. But it’s more about their system and how they play, and how they target. But both of those guys are fun to watch.”

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Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat, a Fan Nation channel for Sports Illustrated. He has covered the NBA since 2010.

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