2025-26 Miami Heat Player Review: Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Heat Bulls — Miami Heat wing Jaime Jaquez Jr. had a bounce back 2025-26 season. (Photo courtesy of the Miami Heat // Twitter)

We are rolling onward with our 2025-26 Miami Heat player review series. Today, we break down the season from third-year wing Jaime Jaquez Jr.! Let’s dive into it!

Past Player Reviews:

Brief Overview:

2025-26 stats (75 games):

15.4 PPG
5.0 RPG
4.7 APG
50.7 FG%
31.7 3P%
53.9 eFG%
57.0 TS%

Heading into 2025-26, question surrounded whether Jaquez was going to acclimate and bounce back from his dismal 2024-25 season. He immediately demolished any and all concerns, putting together a career year. Jaquez finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting, behind only San Antonio’s Keldon Johnson, despite leading all bench players in total points, assists, points per game and assists per game. He fit seamlessly in the Heat’s new free-flowing offense, oftentimes being one of their foremost hubs, while also showing growth as an individual and team defender. Lo and behold, Jaquez was one of the Heat’s few bright spots.

Numbers to note:

41.4 – 3-point percentage over last 19 games

Is Jaime Jaquez Jr. a reliable 3-point shooter? No. However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least shed light on his 3-point shooting to end the season.

His 31.7 percent efficiency was pretty uninspiring after shooting 31.8 percent over his first two seasons. His shooting — or lack thereof — is perhaps his biggest weakness as a player; he was a poor shooter at UCLA, and that hasn’t changed.

Though Jaquez ended the season on a very encouraging note. Over his final 20 games, which dates back to the beginning of March, he shot 41.4 percent from beyond the arc, albeit on 3.7 attempts per game. It’s modest volume, but for a shooter of his caliber, that’s not insignificant. And he looked as confident as we’ve seen from him as a pro.

That doesn’t mean there’s more to come because, at the end of the day, it’s a small sample. But it’s an encouraging one, if nothing else. If he can improve his 3-point efficiency to even ~34-35 percent, his skillset offensively can be weaponized even more.

Since the start of March (18 games), Jaime Jaquez Jr. is shooting 41.8 percent from 3-point range — including 62.5 percent from the corner (!!!!) — on 3.7 attempts per game!! #HEATNation pic.twitter.com/iLRTnCHBdy
— Matt Hanifan (@mph_824_) April 11, 2026

68.5 – Rim efficiency

After a poor sophomore season, Jaquez’s bounce back was highlighted by his finishing around the rim. He developed more counters, became more unpredictable, and thus, became more efficient. Jaquez converted on 68.5 percent of his rim attempts, according to Cleaning The Glass. Among all forwards, that mark ranks in he 63rd percentile. Additionally, Jaquez shot 46.1 percent on short 2s (79th percentile).

24.0 – Assist Percentage

Jaquez’s assist percentage has grown amicably each season, rising from 13.9 to 17.9 to now 24.0, respectively. His figure was the second-best on the Heat — trailing Davion Mitchell’s 24.0 percent.

At times, Jaquez’s tunnel vision would be a little aggravating. Other times, he would do a good job locating cutters or open shooters, especially when he was in the mid-post, where he thrived. His playmaking was a mixed bag; I still think he needs to cut down on the turnovers, but I’m encouraged to see his playmaking take a bump the more reps he’s received on-ball.

Best Game?

I’m not sure how many would agree, but Jaquez’s 22-point, 13-rebound and seven-assist performance across 33 minutes on Nov. 10 against the Cleveland Cavaliers was maybe his best all around performance of the season. He shot 7-of-12 from the floor, recorded two blocks and one steal, too.

What’s next?

This year was a great one for Jaquez. Now, the 25-year-old must continue to improve upon it. His confidence continued to grow throughout the season, even though he, like every player, endured some lumps. But Jaquez has to grow as a shooter to justify a big payday — he’s extension eligible — as well as continue to grow as a ballhandler, playmaker and one-on-one defender.

I’ll be curious to see if Miami does commit long-term money to him or will wait until he’s a restricted free agent to act. I also wouldn’t be surprised if he’s moved for, say, Giannis Antetokounmpo or another premier talent.