Despite a disappointing team season, Miami Heat's Jaime Jaquez Jr. showcased impressive offensive growth, earning a finalist spot for Sixth Man of the Year.
The Miami Heat’s 43-39 season was a complete disappointment, especially after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019. However, it was significant for third-year forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. The 25-year-old averaged 15.4 points on 50.7 percent shooting, 31.7 percent from behind the arc, five rebounds, and 4.7 assists, appearing in 75 games. He was able to thrive offensively, given the extended opportunities from guards Tyler Herro and first-time All-Star Norman Powell missing time throughout the season.
Jaquez Jr. was named a finalist for the Sixth Man of the Year award. He would have been the second player in Heat history to win it since Herro after the 2021-22 season. However, the award went to San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson, who gathered 63 first-place votes, leaving Jaquez Jr. behind with 34. Denver Nuggets guard Tim Hardaway Jr. was another finalist but only received seven second-place votes and 24 thirds.
Johnson averaged 13.2 points on 51.9 percent shooting, 36.3 percent from three-point range, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, appearing in all 82 regular-season games. He becomes the second player in Spurs history to be named Sixth Man of the Year, the last being four-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer Manu Ginobili in 2008. Johnson was a primary starter in three of his first four years in the league and admitted it was a big adjustment switching roles.
“Honestly, it just came down to wanting to be a part of something special here in San Antonio,” he told ESPN. “I knew that in order for me to really be the best for the team, that coming off the bench was probably my best possibility. At first, it was tough. I had to really remove my ego and put the team first. After that, the sky was the limit. I feel like my teammates, my coaches really allow me to be myself. Really allow me to bring that energy each and every night. My hat goes off to them to allow me to do that and be in the position I am today.”
Jaquez Jr. averaged more points, assists, and minutes than Johnson throughout the regular season. However, the Sixth Man recipient won the rebounding, field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and plus-minus categories.
In some of the voters’ cases, team success plays a factor in the final results. Of course, the Spurs and Heat had significantly different seasons, and one only reached the playoffs.
Regardless, after experiencing a “sophomore slump,” Jaquez Jr. completed a bounce-back season. The former first-round selection is eligible for a rookie-contract extension and being a Sixth Man finalist will likely help in negotiations.
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