Jaime Jaquez, currently thriving with the Miami Heat, expressed his contentment with the Lakers passing on him in the draft, emphasizing his desire to break out of his comfort zone and experience something new.
On draft night, the Lakers held the No. 17 pick, just one spot before Jaquez’s selection by the Heat. The Lakers chose Jalen Hood-Schifino instead, a decision that Jaquez believes worked out in his favor.
In an interview with Ira Winderman of South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Jaquez stated, “I wanted to get away. I think, for myself, I thought it was important for me to be able to go out of my comfort zone and experience something new. I didn’t want to be a guy that said, ‘Oh, I just stayed in Southern California all my life.’ I wanted to go live in a different, new place. And that’s why I was very excited to go to Miami. It was new. Everyone compares it, but I think it’s very, very different.”
This season, the 22-year-old guard has been a standout performer for the Heat, averaging 13.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 29.4 minutes per game, ranking fourth among all NBA rookies in scoring.
Jaquez’s decision to embrace change and seek new experiences has proven fruitful as he continues to make a significant impact in his rookie NBA season with the Miami Heat.
