The Miami Heat continue to navigate a challenging phase in their season as they’ve lost six out of their last seven games, falling to 9th place in the NBA Eastern Conference standings with a record of 27-30. This is nothing new for the Heat, as adversity is something that they are accustomed to. Aside from injuries and trades, players, coaches, and fans alike have grown increasingly frustrated with the team’s tendency to squander substantial leads.
As it stands, the Heat find themselves equally close to the final playoff spot as they are to the last Play-In Tournament position, placing them in a precarious middle ground as they strive for a more favorable trajectory.
However, this inconsistency has characterized Miami’s season and continues to do so. The team now confronts the likelihood of proceeding without a crucial rotation player, which significantly impacts their margin for error.
Third-year forward Nikola Jović did not participate in the second half of Miami’s recent 120-113 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Feb. 23. The game brought further unfortunate news for the team after he exited the game early. An X-ray indicated that Jović sustained a fractured second metacarpal in his right hand, which will keep him sidelined for an extended duration.
As the difficult season continues to present new challenges, head coach Erik Spoelstra has praised his players for their ability to produce productive performances despite fluctuations in their play. Jović’s unfortunate and untimely injury now presents an opportunity for players excluded from Miami’s rotation, to gain additional playing time and step up in their roles. This is especially true for guard Jaime Jaquez Jr.
The former Heat fan favorite has a chance to reclaim his status after the latest injury news. Jović’s absence from the lineup further highlights Miami’s desperation and necessity to employ their ‘next man up’ approach now more than ever.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. wants the opportunity to regain his footing
After being selected by the Heat in the 2023 NBA Draft, Jaquez Jr. quickly endeared himself to fans in his rookie season, with many noting that he “plays like a veteran.” Jaquez demonstrates more than just fundamental basketball skills and executes with a level of precision and patience that are beyond his years.
Jaquez Jr. has become an important player for Miami, surpassing expectations in his first season in the league. The former UCLA Bruin impressed the Heat organization with his sophisticated skill set. With advanced footwork and solid fundamentals in the mid-post, Jaquez has shown strong passing abilities and smart court vision.
In his second NBA year, Jaquez Jr.’s season has unfortunately been marked by relative inconsistency and underperformance. During his performance as a rookie, Jaquez had a productive scoring average and high shooting percentages from both the field and 3-point range. However, from a statistical standpoint, we can see that Jaime’s scoring and overall efficiency have notably declined since then.
His recent ups and downs have been exacerbated by limited playing time and subpar shooting performance. Jaquez’s woes could also be attributed to a lack of a defined role. Despite a less-than-favorable situation, as a former first-round draft pick, he still has much to demonstrate.
- Rookie season (2023-24): 48.9 FG%, 32.2 3P% (Averaged 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.0 steals per game)
- The current season (2024-25): 43.6 FG%, 29.0% 3P% (Averaging 9.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game)
Jaquez Jr.’s position within the team evolved during a period when several teammates were dealing with injuries. Before sustaining a groin injury in Jan. 2024, he was playing fairly well. Jaquez Jr. recorded an average of 15.7 points throughout seven games, shooting 47.5% from the field. It’s promising to note his improvement in field-goal percentage and rebounding throughout the season. Although his rebounding average may appear modest given his court time, the guard’s contributions in this area have been pivotal during critical moments for the team. Aside from these difficulties, Jaquez Jr. continues to show potential, but we haven’t been able to see much of it lately.
In the 47 games he has participated in this season, Jaquez Jr. is averaging 9.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and ranks third on the Heat with an average of 1.1 steals per game. His 3-point shooting percentage throughout the season has decreased by 3.2%. While Jaime may not lead in any particular statistical category, his contributions are still vital to the team’s success.
Both Jović and Jaquez have experienced similar bouts of adversity being in and out of the rotation but in different ways. If JJJ earns more minutes on the court, he will have to show he can contribute when given the chance, but not just when other players are absent. An increase in productivity and an improvement in his shooting percentage will come with more consistent play.
Man down = Next man up
The team’s ‘next man up’ philosophy is a smart strategy, because in a competive league, this has provided Miami with success in finding ways to win despite various tough circumstances that arise. This has come at a poignant time for the team who is down a man.
Following the Heat’s brutal loss against the Bucks last Sunday, Spoelstra addressed the potential candidates to fill the gap in the rotation left by Jović due to his injury. He specifically mentioned Jaquez Jr., Haywood Highsmith, and newcomer Kyle Anderson, as possible replacements. Anyone can step up in a game and be “ignitable” as Spoelstra likes to say.
Whoever proves themelves will earn minutes, and Jaquez doesn’t seem to be the choice at the moment as other players are doing so. While Jaquez still has time to develop as an NBA player, his struggles may have somewhat diminished his potential value, but that can change.
“Our power rotation, we do have some depth there,” Spoelstra said. “Kyle will be able to give us some good minutes, Jaime will be able to step up and play. So we’ll have to figure it out. But we have the depth to be able to manage this.”
After establishing a high benchmark in his rookie year, Jaquez has not fully met the expectations set for him over the number of games played this season. Due to encountering setbacks in the form of injury and stomach illnesses, his performance began to suffer as the season progressed. Also, with all the changes surrounding the trade drama of former teammate Jimmy Butler, Jaquez’s role changed.
As a result, the guard has experienced various DNP-CDs (did not play, coach’s decision) in the previous four games, while elite perimeter defender Haywood Highsmith had been sidelined as well until Wednesday night. These instances represented the first healthy scratches of Jaquez’s NBA career since his selection in the draft.
However, sometimes it’s forgotten that NBA players are humans too, and playing an 82-game season isn’t something the average person can do. It doesn’t come without the struggles and challenges, especially with a physical, yet also mental game such as basketball.
Since the conclusion of the All-Star break in mid-February, Jaquez Jr. has not participated in many games, and most players want to help their team in whatever way they can. He candidly described the experience as a “struggle.” Nevertheless, Jaquez recognized that this is an integral part of his development at this stage in his career, with the aspiration of improving as a player.
“It’s a struggle,” Jaquez said of recently dropping out of the Heat’s rotation. “But it’s a part of the game. I’ve just tried to stay positive, and understand that coach, he’s got a difficult job. It’s frustrating as a player. You want to get in and help your team. But there are other ways you can help your team. Just got to continue to stay positive, advise on what you’re seeing, still staying engaged.”
More than anyone Heat veteran forward Duncan Robinson, and now Jović and Jaquez Jr., know what it’s like to face obstacles in their basketball careers. From being in the starting lineup, coming off the bench, or not playing at all. Jaquez is facing that scenario once again of finding a silver lining when the team needs him. Robinson emphasized the importance of maintaining a good attitude and staying ready in the wake of these situations.
“Guys are just excited to embrace an opportunity,” Robinson said regarding the challenges of playing a role in the NBA. “I know what it’s like to be in that situation where guys go down and your number gets called. I haven’t been starting but I had an opportunity to go out and start, and obviously, you wanna take advantage of that moment…it’s an opportunity to showcase all the work you’ve been putting in.”
Despite experiencing a challenging season with the Heat during his second year, Jaquez Jr. remains resolute in his efforts to regain the level of performance he demonstrated in his outstanding rookie season. The absence of Jović can present an opportunity for Jaime to get on the court again, and have a chance to help his team. Yet he expressed understanding and support for the situation and his teammate.
“I never want to see anybody go down, especially a guy like Niko, probably the closest of the guys to me,” Jaquez said.” But that’s just the name of the game. One guy goes down, someone has got to step up.”
The impact of Nikola Jović’s injury
Jović has experienced fluctuations in his early NBA career, consistently preparing for his next opportunity. Challenges due to injuries and poor performance were followed by a series of games in which he did not play, Yet, Miami maintained confidence in Jović’s eventual return to the lineup. After working hard to develop his overall game, Niko was rewarded with extensive minutes on the court, whether in the starting lineup or coming off the bench.
From Dec. 23 to Feb, 5, Jović has showcased some of the best basketball of his career, averaging 13.6 points with a shooting percentage of 48.2% from the field and 42.1% from beyond the arc. During this 23-game period, he also contributed 4.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists, achieving double-digit scoring in 17 games, including four instances of scoring 20 points or more. Jović’s involvement significantly has enhanced Miami’s net rating by a remarkable 7.3 points per 100 possessions over 676 minutes of play.
Before Niko’s recent injury, he recorded a shooting percentage of only 37.7% across six games, having achieved a season-high of 23 points against the Philadelphia 76ers on Feb. 5. Nevertheless, he continued to contribute positively to the Heat’s defensive efforts. His 33 contested shots ranked third on the team, behind newly-acquired Andrew Wiggins (43) and rookie center Kel’el Ware (34). According to NBA.com, opponents managed only a 41.3% shooting rate when defended by Jović during this six-game period.
During his recent shooting slump, Jović expressed appreciation for his teammates who supported him offensively and expressed a desire to reciprocate by enhancing his efficiency. He has consistently emphasized the importance of improving his defensive communication and off-ball coverage.
A significant aspect of Jovic’s growth has been his remarkable self-awareness regarding the areas in which he needs improvement, as well as his willingness to learn from both teammates and coaching staff. Throughout the season, coach Spoelstra has praised Niko’s ability to maintain productivity despite experiencing fluctuations in performance.
There’s no way to sugarcoat it, Jović’s recent injury adds a new blow to an already tough season for the Heat, a sentiment echoed by both coaches and teammates within the organization. Finding valuable wings in the NBA is a challenge. After the loss to Milwaukee, coach Spoelstra shared his emotional reaction regarding Niko and his thoughts for the team moving forward.
“I don’t know all the details right now. I know what you guys know,” Spoelstra said in his postgame presser. “I know how much he has put into this. He’s had a couple of injuries previously. This has nothing to do with it. He’s not snakebitten or anything like that. He was playing with some force tonight. I thought he got hit on the leg, he kept on holding his leg. And I was shocked by the prognosis of it. But we’ll see how long it will take and in the meantime, other guys will have to step up, but I feel for Niko.”
Injury reports never provide much detail, but regarding Jović’, there was a very direct prognosis and treatment update. With the hope of a potential return this season, decisions regarding Jović’ and his injury will be made when he is re-evaluated in about four weeks after being in a splint according to recent medical reports.
Focusing on consistency and staying ready
If Miami could have mitigated even half of their 14 blown double-digit fourth-quarter leads (Second-most in the NBA behind the Utah Jazz), this season probably would have taken on a markedly different direction, particularly in the competitive Eastern Conference.
The Heat expressed disappointment at the loss of Jović, particularly as he had recently established a steady position within the team. Before being sidelined, the forward was garnering significant playing time during the fourth quarter in recent games.
Team captain and center Bam Adebayo has expressed his frustration with Miami’s tendency to lose significant leads in the fourth quarter, regardless of whether Niko is in the lineup. Adebayo emphasized the importance of avoiding extended scoring runs by opponents, whether they are championship contenders, playoff aspirants, or teams at the bottom of the standings. The center acknowledges the necessity of having Jović on the court but also understands that the team must rely on the next player to step up during his absence. This is simply part of the game.
“You lose a guy like that — young guy, ambitious, trying to make something of himself in this league — we want that for him,” Adebayo said regarding Jović. “It’s just, for him, a minor setback for a major comeback. When we get him back, we’ll be happy to see him in the lineup.”
While Jović is one of the Heat’s essential components for building a promising future, Jaquez Jr. looks to make a comeback, despite the circumstances. He can hopefully propel himself out of his slump, and convert meaningful minutes again.
The Heat will need to continue innovating to navigate this difficult time and find a way to win some games with the last stretch of the season quickly approaching. Truth is, whether that decision is to include Jaquez Jr., Miami’s depth does allow different guys the opportunity to contribute and create synergy offensively and defensively on any given night. On a team such as the Heat, it’s about staying ready when your number is called.
What makes Jaquez Jr. valuable to the Heat in general and in the wake of Jović’s injury, is that he isn’t limited to one specific skill. Jaime can contribute through scoring, rebounding, and defense. Making minutes count and creating an impact has earned players the chance to be reinserted into Spoelstra’s lineups.
JJJ has significant potential for further development. In his second season, Miami benefits from having a dedicated player in Jaquez, who has proven that he’s committed to enhancing his skills for the betterment of the team in the future. Jaquez is bound to regain his confidence and footing, as he is a versatile player.
Coach Spo emphasized the want for his players such as Jaquez Jr. to step up, and how to do so in important times. The answer is, focusing on making smart plays, and doing what’s needed to win.
“Jaime is a unique player because he can impact in a lot of different ways,” Spoelstra said when asked about Jaquez Jr. “I don’t want anybody thinking that they have to do something more than, out of the box, or a different kind of storyline. He just has to focus on contributing and making winning plays.”
No one anticipates that this team will be competing for a championship this season. However, the Heat are prepared to accept any opportunity at this juncture. The Heat’s upcoming games are crucial, as the opportunity for them to ascend the Eastern Conference standings is diminishing quickly. Even though Miami has been in similar predicaments, this season has appeared to be more challenging than ever before. But, as we know, this team is resilient.
For now, the Heat will continue to confront this challenge without a vital component of its roster. Although, as Adebayo stated, it’s a minor setback for a major comeback. Whether that entails playing a pivotal role in shaping the team’s long-term identity, Miami will strive to focus on the present circumstances, and maintain its chances of concluding the 2024-25 NBA season on a more hopeful note.
