Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. (born February 18, 2001) is a Mexican-American professional basketball player for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A 6-foot-6 forward, Jaquez has quickly become a standout “winning player” for the Heat, known for his high basketball IQ, polished mid-range game, and defensive versatility.

As of February 11, 2026, Jaquez is enjoying a breakout third season, establishing himself as one of the premier young contributors in the Eastern Conference.

 

Early Life 

College Career

Born in Irvine, California, Jaquez grew up in Camarillo and comes from a deep-rooted basketball family; he is a third-generation college basketball player. At UCLA (2019–2023), he became a program legend, leading the Bruins to a Final Four appearance in 2021 and winning Pac-12 Player of the Year in 2023. He finished his collegiate career ranked eighth in school history in both scoring (1,802 points) and steals.

NBA Career

Miami Heat (2023–Present)

The Miami Heat selected Jaquez with the 18th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2024 and participating in the Slam Dunk Contest, where he famously jumped over Shaquille O’Neal.

Jaquez Jr. recorded a career high of 41 points against the Washington Wizards on April 13, 2025, during the regular-season finale.

2025–2026 Season

In his third season, Jaquez has taken a significant leap in offensive production. He has been a consistent force for the Heat, scoring in double digits in seven consecutive contests through early February. Recent highlights include a 21-point, 8-rebound effort against Atlanta on February 3 and a 20-point, 11-assist double-double in a victory over the Nuggets earlier this winter. His efficiency has also improved, shooting 50.7% from the field this season.

 

Career Highlights & Awards

• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2024)
• Lute Olson Award (College Player of the Year, 2023)
• Pac-12 Player of the Year (2023)
• Consensus Second-team All-American (2023)
• Career High (NBA): 41 points (vs. Toronto, April 2024)

Heritage and Impact

Jaquez is a major figure for the Mexican-American community, often referred to as “Juan Wick” by fans. He was the first Mexican-American selected in the first round of the NBA Draft and frequently pays tribute to the Mexican players who preceded him, such as Eduardo Nájera and Gustavo Ayón. He serves as a bridge to the NBA’s growing popularity in Mexico, notably headlining the Heat’s 2024 Mexico City Game.