Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren And ... Jaime Jaquez?

Jaime Jaquez has been one of the biggest rookie surprises in the league and it looks like the Miami Heat has struck gold.

Just a little over a month into the season Jamie Jaquez has displayed playmaking ability, vision, shot-making, and just an overall great feel for the game. 

Nothing about his game screams rookie. Jaime has played a lot of basketball during his collegiate career at UCLA but the transition to the league has been seamless.

“Jaime Jaquez Jr., outside of Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama, has been the best rookie this year.” JJ Redick said on his Old Man and The Three Podcast

Jaime Jaquez Jr. is one of the best rookies in the league right now.

Watch the full episode of The Old Man and the Three Things with @jj_redick and @LegsESPN: https://t.co/99wKJegFaL pic.twitter.com/R0mGySU95f

— TheOldMan&TheThree (@OldManAndThree) November 29, 2023

The Heat have used 12 different starting lineups in their first 18 games this season, battling through several injuries opening a door for Jaquez. That seemed to be all he needed and he took full advantage of the opportunity. He is averaging 17.6 points over the last five and has stepped up huge while the Heat desperately needed another scoring punch.

Jaquez earned the respect of head coach Erik Spoelstra and the Heat veterans right away.

“He plays like a baby Jimmy (Butler)," Heat guard Josh Richardson said 

As crazy as it sounds if you watch Jaquez's game closely there are glimpses of Butler the footwork and ability to finish through contact are all there.

"I talk to Jimmy all the time when I'm on the bench. He's telling me what he sees and what I can do better.” Jaime Jaquez said

"I talk to Jimmy [Butler] all the time when I'm on the bench. He's telling me what he sees and what I can do better... It's been a great help having such great veterans around."

Jaime Jaquez on the Miami Heat's veteran leadership 🗣

(via @ZachWeinberger) pic.twitter.com/QqyJeiQ1Ld

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 27, 2023

It’s still early and a rookie wall may come, but Jaquez is off to an amazing start for the Heat, and the All-Rookie first team is a goal that looks more than obtainable for him.

Devin Brown is a contributing writer to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at devinbrownjr95@gmail.com