Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. is a compelling candidate to win the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award for the 2024-25 season. He’s a versatile forward who brings a unique combination of scoring, rebounding, and defensive abilities, and he can play multiple positions on the court, giving head coach Erik Spoelstra flexibility in his rotations. Not to mention, at +2500 (DraftKings), we’re getting great value on the second-year player.
Jaquez averaged 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists last season as a rookie, shooting 48.9% from the field. His ability to create his own shot, make plays for others, and contribute defensively makes him a valuable asset off the bench, providing a spark to the second unit.
By the end of last season, Jaquez found himself in the starting rotation on a fairly regular basis; however, Miami was dealing with numerous injuries at that point. Both Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier missed multiple games, forcing Jaquez to become a key player that Spoelstra relied on for scoring and rebounding.
To be eligible for Sixth Man of the Year, a player must come off the bench in more games than he starts. Jaquez appeared in 75 games last season but only started 20 of them. While that is a relatively high number, the 2023-24 winner, Naz Reid, started 14 games and still won the award. If Miami stays relatively healthy this year, it’s likely that Jaquez will anchor the second unit regularly.
With an increased role this upcoming season, Jaquez is expected to see more opportunities to showcase his offensive talents. If he can translate his shot-making ability into consistent scoring, he will stand out in a bench role. His three-point shooting, mid-range game, and ability to attack the rim make him a difficult player to guard, especially against second-unit defenses. His minutes are likely to increase, allowing him to impact games more regularly. If he averages double-digit points with efficient shooting and strong defensive metrics, he will be hard for voters to ignore.
Additionally, he plays in one of the larger NBA markets, which attracts national attention throughout the season, regardless of the team’s performance. This will keep Jaquez top of mind for voters when it comes time to submit their ballots.