The injury bug has hit a couple of different players for the Miami Heat, including exciting rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. who has been dealing with a groin injury. However, he’s off the injury report and it’s looking like he’ll play in the season opener Wednesday according to CBS Sports.
Jaquez said to the media after practice on Tuesday that while he is feeling better, they don’t want to rush him and possibly cause further damage.
“There is still some limitations just on reps and things like that just because we don’t want to aggravate anything,” Jaquez said. “We’re taking it very slow. But it’s all good, I’m feeling better, feeling great, we’ll see how I’ll feel tomorrow.”
Asked Miami Heat’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. about his goals for the season and practicing with UD. Plus, he talks about his injury and tomorrow’s game: #HEATCulture pic.twitter.com/hDLZzkMvIJ
— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) October 24, 2023
While Jaquez was praised by head coach Erik Spoelstra and other players as acting like a veteran, it’s understandable that his first NBA game will be surreal for the rookie.
“I can’t wait, I’m very excited,” Jaquez said. “It’s something I’ve been dreaming about my entire life which is to play my first NBA game in an NBA jersey, especially for the heat for all the fans at home. It’s gonna be really special.”
What contributed to Jaquez’s “veteran” mindset was his collegiate experience at UCLA which usually consisted of extended runs in their conference and national tournaments. Jaquez has big goals set for himself, with the biggest just getting on the floor to help the Heat win.
“I think my biggest goal is just trying to find my way to the floor,” Jaquez said to ClutchPoints. “However that is, whether it’s rebounding, hitting shots, defending doing whatever I need to do to get on the floor, and then kind of build from there.”
Jaime Jaquez Jr. working with Udonis Haslem
Jaquez should already be fully acclimated to the Heat’s work ethic, especially since he’s been seen working with long-time Miami player Udonis Haslem in practice. Even though Haslem retired earlier this year, he’s still providing an impact for the team and trying to help the younger players like Jaquez and many others before him. Spoelstra said earlier this week that Haslem will have a front office and player development role with the team.
For the rookie, he said to ClutchPoints that him being there with the Heat provides nothing but benefits for himself and the prime youth of the team that are trying to find a spot.
“It just his presence man,” Jaquez said. “He’s always trying to help and give knowledge to us young guys and help in any way you can.”
With the recent departures of the Heat and especially the injuries to Haywood Highsmith and Josh Richardson, fans could be seeing more of Jaquez in the earlier parts of the season. As Spoelstra is known for, he likes to experiment with different rotations, but with an injury or not, the 22-year-old should be getting a lot of playing time.
His first outing in the regular season will be in the opener as the Miami Heat try to defend home court as they face the Detroit Pistons at the Kaseya Center at 7:30 p.m. (EST). A possible 1-0 start gives the team momentum as they head into a three-game road stand after.