Why The Miami Heat Should Prioritize Keeping Jaime Jaquez Jr. In Damian Lillard Pursuit

Miami Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. is rumored to be traded to acquire Damian Lillard

The Miami Heat should avoid including rookie forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. in their attempt to trade for Portland Trailblazers All-Star guard Damian Lillard. 

The Blazers are looking for young players in this deal, but the Heat should look to offer Nikola Jovic or Orlando Robinson.

Jaquez, who played four years at UCLA, was drafted with the No.18 pick by the Heat. The reasoning behind selecting Jaquez stemmed from his NBA readiness and versatility.

In his senior season, Jaquez averaged 17.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals on 48.1 percent shooting from the field. He spent most of that time in the post utilizing excellent footwork to his advantage. Although that may not translate to the NBA, it proves his ability as a three-level scorer.

Jaquez played in only two Summer League games before sustaining a shoulder injury. In his one healthy game, Jaquez showed promise by scoring 22 points.

During an interview with WQAM last month, Heat general manager Andy Elisburg said Jaquez is "our type of guy." 

“I think he comes from the same kind of ethos that we think we value, with players that we value," Elisburg said. "He has that kind of competitiveness and the work ethic that you want to see… You’re excited to see what he’s able to do as he takes his game and grows it. At this point in time, he’s got things he does well, things he can do better at. And the great players take the things that they can do better at, and become better at that.”

Elisburg showing confidence in the rookie after only one full performance is promising. This means the Heat’s front office is hoping to hold on to Jaquez in the event of acquiring Lillard.

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Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at anthonypasciolla36@gmail.com or follow him on Tik Tok @anthonysports_