Who is Jaime Jáquez Jr., the Mexican who will participate in the 2024 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest?
Known as ‘Triple J’ to NBA fans, the Mexican-American is a sure candidate for ‘Rookie of the Year’, and a central piece in Erik Spoelstra’s Miami Heat.
The 2024 NBA All-Star weekend will give its Mexican fans a little something extra to cheer about. At 22 years old, Jaime Jáquez Jr., the son of Mexicans and born in California, will have two roles to play in Indianapolis. Firstly, the talented rookie will be playing in the Panini Rising Stars game. There, he will come up against 28 other promising young players: 10 second-year players, 11 rookies, and seven representatives of the G League. Then, he will take part in what most fans are likely itching to see, the All-Star Slam Dunk competition. Indeed, Jáquez Jr. has become well known for his dunking prowess, leaving many to believe that he might be a champion in the making.
Let’s get to know Jaime Jáquez Jr.
When you think of the term, ‘impact player’, it’s hard not to think of Jaime Jáquez Jr. and the way in which he has taken the NBA by storm, even more so when you consider how solid the roster of the Miami Heat is here and now. It’s precisely because of those attributes that ‘Triple J’ has fit perfectly into the system and playing culture of Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley as head coach and general manager. From his apparent wisdom on fast breaks, respect for the fundamentals with the ball in his hands, his skillful footwork in the low post, and his ability to rotate the ball and read transition situations, it’s clear we’re talking about a true star in the making. Then, there is his IQ which we have to believe was honed during his four years at UCLA. Ultimately, the 23-year-old is a rookie but plays like an experienced veteran to the extent that some have even compared him to Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic.
Of course, Jáquez Jr. is more than just the sum of his parts, there is also an uncanny flair to his game. Specifically, his dunks. Known for his crushing power when taking it directly to the ring, Jáquez Jr. has become well known for his repertoire of dunks, something which is strange when considering how dry and unexpressive he can be off the court. That’s not to say he’s dry, but rather a player who has no time for the fanfare and is focused entirely on playing and improving. Indeed, that’s likely the reason why the NBA and its fans have taken notice. Interestingly, as much as Mexican fans will be thrilled to see him on Saturday night, he’s not actually the first Mexican to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest. That honor belongs to Juan Toscano-Anderson who was runner-up in the 2022 edition.
What do Jaime Jaquez Jr’s numbers look like?
Impressive, to say the least. In his debut season, Jaime Jáquez Jr has been nothing short of spectacular. With an average of 12.9 points per game, 3.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 49.2% from the field, 1.1 steals, 0.2 blocks, 1.7 turnovers, and a positive +- of 0.4, he’s been both dependable and productive, and remember we’re talking about a rookie. Where minutes are concerned, he’s been averaging 29.5 per game, however, he exceeded 30 minutes in January and would likely have continued to do so if not for a thigh injury that was suffered in the middle of that month. To date, he has played in 49 of the 55 games that the Heat have played this season and 16 of those appearances have been as a starter. Special mention should be made of his Christmas Day performance when he scored 31 points, breaking the Mexican record for scoring in a single NBA game. While he faces stiff competition for the Rookie of the Year award in the form of Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs) and Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma Thunder), there is no reason to believe he’s not capable of winning it should he continue to play as he has been.
Praise from Jimmy Butler, Erik Spoelstra...
The UCLA product has truly hit the ground running with the Miami Heat. While he’s clearly the current ‘sixth man’ of the team, he has made himself absolutely indispensable to Spoelstra and Co. which is precisely why the coach has not hesitated to heap praise upon his shoulders. “He has entered our rotation to earn more minutes and opportunities. He has already played in hostile environments, he has found different ways to win, he had four years of collegiate experience. All of that matters. He does a lot of things with the ball in his hands,” the coach said after the 113-119 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Christmas. It hasn’t only been the coach who has taken notice either, as Heat star Jimmy Butler also gave his endorsement to the young gun as well as the Mexican national team itself at the 2019 Lima Pan American Games: “Jaime is always working on his game and wants to make the right play at all times. He doesn’t look like a rookie. I am very happy for him, for his success. I want to help him grow and continue helping us win.”