NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2024: Jaylen Brown, Mac McClung headline participants
Jaylen Brown is the first NBA All-Star since 2017 to participate in the dunk contest.FEBRUARY 7
JAIME JAQUEZ JR. #11 - SMALL FORWARD - MIAMI HEAT
8.8 PPG •
4.8 RPG •
2.3 APG
8.8 PPG
4.8 RPG
2.3 APG
Brings defensive stats in return Jaquez (groin) tallied six points (1-3 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), four assists, two steals, two blocks and one rebound across 24 minutes in Saturday's 125-109 loss to the Knicks.
Impact After starting in 12 of his prior 13 appearances before missing six straight games with a left groin strain, Jaquez came off the bench in his return to action Saturday. Though he made a mark on the defensive end with the pair of steals and blocks, Jaquez's usage sat at just 9.4 percent on the day, well below his season-long rate of 18.2 percent. Before missing time with the groin strain, Jaquez had benefited from an expanded role on the offensive end while both Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro missed time, but Butler and Herro are now back to full health. Additionally, the Heat recently acquired another high-usage player in Terry Rozier, and with Bam Adebayo also still on hand, Jaquez looks as though he'll fall further down in the offensive hierarchy than he had prior to suffering the injury. With that in mind, Jaquez may be hard-pressed to maintain his season-long average of 13.8 points per game, which had already been propped up by 51.2 percent shooting from the field.
JANUARY 28 • ROTOWIRE
Coming off the bench Saturday Jaquez isn't in the starting five for Saturday's game versus the Knicks, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.
Impact Jaquez will come off the bench in his first game Saturday after a six-game absence due to a groin injury. The rookie forward is averaging 14.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.0 steals in 33.4 minutes across his last five appearances coming off the bench.
JANUARY 27 • ROTOWIRE
Slated to return Saturday Jaquez (groin) is available for Saturday's game against the Knicks.
Impact Jaquez missed six straight games due to a left groin strain but will return to action Saturday. He was a regular starter before his absence, averaging 16.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals while starting 11 of his past 12 appearances. However, it's unclear if he'll reclaim a starting spot upon his return, as the Heat are back to full strength and added Terry Rozier to the mix since Jaquez last played.
JANUARY 26 • ROTOWIRE
Won't play against Boston Jaquez (groin) is out for Thursday's game versus the Celtics.
Impact Jaquez will miss his seventh straight game Thursday while dealing with a strained left groin. Caleb Martin should continue to receive extended playing time in his absence. Jaquez's next chance to suit up is Saturday's matchup with the Knicks.
JANUARY 25 • ROTOWIRE
Officially ruled out Jaquez (groin) won't play in Wednesday's game versus the Grizzlies.
Impact Jaquez's absence streak will extend to six games Wednesday after being downgraded from doubtful to out with a left groin strain. The rookie forward's next chance to suit up is Thursday's matchup with Boston.
JANUARY 24 • ROTOWIRE
Doubtful for Wednesday Jaquez (groin) is doubtful for Wednesday's game against the Grizzlies, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
Impact Jaquez will likely miss a fifth straight game due to a left groin strain. Coach Erik Spoelstra said Sunday that Jaquez is without a timetable to return, so until he logs a full practice, Jaquez can likely be considered doubtful for future contests as well. Caleb Martin, Nikola Jovic and Haywood Highsmith (foot) are candidates for increased roles until Jaquez returns.
JANUARY 23 • ROTOWIRE
NBA Rookie Rankings: Wemby's role change, Jaquez's versatility and more Chet Holmgren still leads the race, but Victor Wembanyama has come on strong since the Spurs moved him to center. Plus, a Heat rookie rises.
JANUARY 23 • THEATHLETIC.COM
Without a concrete return Jaquez (groin) will miss his fourth consecutive game Sunday versus the Magic and is currently without a timetable to return, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports...
Impact Despite the seemingly pessimistic outlook on Jaquez' short-term availability, coach Eric Spoelstra noted that team trainers "have been encouraged" by the rookie's ongoing recovery from a left groin strain. Nonetheless, Jaquez is at risk of missing multiple contests beyond Monday, leaving Caleb Martin and Nikola Jovic to continue operating in enlarged roles.
JANUARY 21 • ROTOWIRE
Out for Sunday Jaquez (groin) is inactive for Sunday's game against Orlando, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
Impact Jaquez did not travel with the team, so he will officially be sidelined for a fourth consecutive contest Sunday. The rookie's next opportunity to take the court comes Wednesday against Memphis.
JANUARY 20 • ROTOWIRE
Officially ruled out Jaquez (groin) won't play in Friday's game versus the Hawks, Tim Reynolds of Associated Press reports.
Impact Jaquez will miss his third straight game Friday after being downgraded from doubtful to out with a groin strain. The rookie forward's next chance to suit up is Sunday's matchup with Orlando.
JANUARY 19 • ROTOWIRE
Doubtful for Friday Jaquez (groin) is doubtful for Friday's game against the Hawks.
Impact Jaquez has missed the last two games and is in danger of missing a third straight. Prior to injury, the rookie found himself in a groove, averaging 15.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.1 blocks across 33.9 minutes in his last seven games (all starts). If Jaquez is sidelined, expect Caleb Martin, Duncan Robinson and Haywood Highsmith to all see extended minutes.
JANUARY 18 • ROTOWIRE
Missing two-game road trip Jaquez (groin), who has been ruled out for Monday's game in Brooklyn, didn't travel with the team on its road trip and will remain sidelined through Wednesday's contest in Toronto,...
Impact Jaquez will stay behind in Miami to receive further evaluation after he exited early in the second quarter of Sunday's 104-87 win over the Hornets due to a left groin strain. The rookie first-round pick was on his way to another strong outing prior to departing, finishing the day with 15 points (7-11 FG, 1-1 FT), five rebounds, two assists and one steal in 15 minutes. Head coach Erik Spoelstra said after Sunday's win that Jaquez was being viewed as day-to-day, so the 22-year-old could conceivably be ready to play Friday versus Atlanta after the team returns from its two-game road trip.
JANUARY 15 • ROTOWIRE
Won't travel to Brooklyn Jaquez (groin) won't travel to Brooklyn for Monday's game against the Nets, Wes Goldberg of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.
Impact Jaquez sustained a left groin strain Sunday against the Hornets, and coach Erik Spoelstra said that the 22-year-old won't make the trip to Brooklyn ahead of Monday's matchup. However, Jaquez ll be considered day-to-day after Monday's game, and Spoelstra downplayed the severity of the injury following Sunday's contest. If Jimmy Butler (toe) remains out Monday, Caleb Martin, Duncan Robinson and Josh Richardson could see plenty of run for Miami.
JANUARY 15 • ROTOWIRE
Won't return Sunday Jaquez has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Hornets due to a left groin strain, Tim Reynolds of Associated Press reports.
Impact Jaquez was part of the starting lineup Sunday for the 11th time in the last 12 matchups, but he was ruled out for the remainder of the game shortly after halftime. He tallied 15 points (7-11 FG, 1-1 FT), five rebounds, two assists and a steal in 15 minutes before leaving the game, and it's not yet clear whether he'll be available Monday against the Nets.
JANUARY 15 • ROTOWIRE
Strong showing Friday Jaquez finished Friday's 99-96 victory over Orlando with 19 points (8-16 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 3-3 FT), seven rebounds, three assists and one steal across 37 minutes.
Impact Even though Jaquez has been trusted into a bigger role on offense due to the absence of Jimmy Butler (calf) and the team's overall lack of depth, the UCLA standout has managed to carve a role for the Heat and has settled quite well after being a start at the college level. He's averaging 15.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game since the start of January.
JANUARY 13 • ROTOWIRE
Productive in starting role Jaquez totaled 21 points (6-9 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 6-9 FT), five rebounds and two assists in 34 minutes during Wednesday's 128-120 loss to the Thunder.
Impact Jaquez has looked comfortable in a starting role, and the absence of Jimmy Butler (foot) will mean the rookie should continue having a strong upside in the foreseeable future. The former UCLA standout has started in all but one of his last 10 outings, a span in which he's putting up 16.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals per contest.
JANUARY 11 • ROTOWIRE
Another productive night Jaquez produced 14 points (5-11 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), four rebounds, four assists and one steal over 39 minutes during Monday's 120-113 victory over the Rockets.
Impact Jaquez has started in eight of Miami's last nine games due to Jimmy Butler's recent injuries, but the former UCLA standout has been nothing short of outstanding in a more significant role. One of the most productive rookies thus far, Jaquez has averaged 14.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game in his 12 starts this season.
JANUARY 9 • ROTOWIRE
UCLA Basketball: Ex-Bruin NBA Rookie Jaime Jaquez Will Partake In Slam Dunk Contest Can the kid win?
JANUARY 9 • SUNHERALD.COM
Efficient shooting display Friday Jaquez closed with 10 points (5-7 FG, 0-2 3Pt), two rebounds, one assist and two steals over 35 minutes during Friday's 113-97 loss to Phoenix.
Impact The Heat struggled badly on offense and didn't even reach the 100-point plateau, and while Jaquez's numbers didn't stand out, he was efficient and missed just two of his seven attempts from the field. Jaquez has done a good job when called upon a starting duty, and he should remain in that role if Jimmy Butler (foot) remains unavailable against the Rockets on Monday.
JANUARY 6 • ROTOWIRE
UCLA Basketball: Erik Spoelstra Explains How Bruins Prepped Jaime Jaquez For NBA The reigning East Rookie of the Month is riding high!
JANUARY 6 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM
UCLA Basketball: Bruin-Turned-All-Star Gives Rookie Jaime Jaquez His Flowers The Heat rookie has certainly been turning heads since joining the NBA.
JANUARY 5 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM
UCLA Basketball: Former Bruin Jaime Jaquez Lands Another Huge NBA Honor Jaime Jaquez continues to showcase his elite skills at the NBA level.
JANUARY 4 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM
A Heat youth movement? Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic stand out on the same night Heat first-round picks Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic are at two different stages of the developmental process. But they both stood out i...
JANUARY 4 • MIAMIHERALD.COM
UCLA Basketball: NBA Rookie Of The Year Contender Jaime Jaquez Praises Bruins Years The rookie has been setting his own path in the NBA!
JANUARY 4 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM
