On December 13, 2023, Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. attempts a free throw against the Charlotte Hornets in the first quarter at Kaseya Center.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. fielded questions in Spanish after the Miami Heat’s New Year’s Day game against the LA Clippers.
NBA players seldom answer questions in Spanish. Heat rookie guard is one of a few Mexican NBA players. Now with a worldwide platform, this rising star aspires to inspire Mexican and Mexican American basketball players who desire to play in the NBA and WNBA.
“I’ve been noticing it a lot, even in college as well, the impact that I’m having on a community,” Jaquez, 22, told Andscape this week. “I guess more now that the NBA is bigger. However, even in college, people thanked me for representing something greater than myself.
“I didn’t enter this league to be the best Mexican basketball player. Not necessarily my objective. If it happens, it’s amazing to make a difference.”
According to the Chicago Tribune, three-time NBA All-Star and two-time champion forward Mark Aguirre contemplated playing for Mexico since his father and grandparents were from Mexico. Jorge Gutierrez, Mexican American, played 47 NBA games. Mexican American mother of former NBA player and head coach Earl Watson. Three-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker’s mother is Mexican American. Mexican-American and African-American NBA champion Juan Toscano-Anderson joined the Sacramento Kings after playing for the G League Mexico City Capitanes this season.
Only three Mexicans have played in the NBA since 1946. The most prominent was Eduardo Najera, who averaged 4.9 points and 3.7 rebounds in 619 games with Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets Gustavo Ayon played 135 games and Horacio Llamas 28.
“Najera was before my time, but I know who he was and what he did,” Jaquez added.
Erik Spoelstra, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Pat Riley pose for a photo at Kaseya Center in Miami on June 23, 2023.
Last season, UCLA senior Jaquez averaged 17.8 points and 8.2 rebounds and was a second-team All-American. He fell a few draft places, maybe due to his age. The Heat picked Jaquez 18th overall in the 2023 NBA draft.
In a preseason NBA general manager poll, 10% called Jaquez the “biggest steаl” of the draft. Miamians are mostly Hispanic and Spanish-speaking, which piqued their interest in the newcomer.
“People brought Mexican flags to an autograph signing at a Miami Heat store. Jaquez said those chanting, ‘Viva Mexico’ during the games show pride.
For the Heat, Jaquez averaged 13.7 points, fourth-best among NBA rookies, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists entering Wednesday’s game against LeBron James and the host Los Angeles Lakers (ESPN, 10 p.m. ET). Miami’s 119-113 Christmas Day triumph against the Philadelphia 76ers included a career-high 31 points from the 6-foot-6, 230-pounder. Additionally, Jaquez has started the past nine Heat games.
He may play in the NBA All-Star Rising Stars Challenge, which features young NBA and G League Ignite stars over All-Star Weekend.
“I trusted my work,” Jaquez stated. “I knew I could perform if given the chance. I took advantage of my chance. Not surprised or startled. I trust my abilities.”
Jaime’s performance is outstanding, said Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr. He is muscular and competent. Naturally, he has experience. He had a significant impact.”
Toscano-Anderson suggested Jaquez may be the first Mexican NBA star.
Jaquez is a heck of a player, Toscano-Anderson said Andscape. Mature player. He was NBA-ready, and Miami’s atmosphere fit him well. Playing well and being in the [rookie of the year] Һunt increases his effect. He gets more attention, publicity, and support. So it differs. All prior Mexican players were role players. He may be more.”
Heat forward Kevin Love told Andscape: “His personality is not like a rookie. He makes beginner blunders on the court. His personality is like ours and mixes in nicely. He has made an impression with his game.”
On December 14, 2023, at Kaseya Center in Miami, Chicago Bulls center Torrey Craig (left) and Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (right) figҺt for a rebound in the third quarter.
He inherited basketball from his grandpa, Ezequiel, who played at Ventura Community College and Northern Arizona. Jaime Jaquez Sr. met his wife Angela, a collegiate basketball player, at Concordia University in Irvine, California. Gabriela, Jaquez’s sister, averages 12.7 points per game as a UCLA sophomore.
In 2022, the Seattle Storm picked Los Angeles Sparks guard Evina Westbrook 21st overall, becoming her the first Mexican American WNBA player. Also, Gabriela Jaquez has WNBA potential. Jaquez claims Mexican basketball enthusiasts approach his sister often.
“She is becoming her own basketball star. With me absent, she’s shining at Los Angeles and UCLA. Jaquez said she’s having fun and doing well.
After losing to the Clippers, Jaquez addressed questions in Spanish and claimed he wants to improve. Duolingo has helped him improve his Spanish, which he studies naturally in Miami. Jaquez has visited Mexico City, Guadalajara, Cancun, Baja, California, and Monterrey and hopes to return next offseason. He stated that he has discussed playing for Mexico’s me𝚗’s national basketball team.
Living in Miami improves my Spanish. I speak Spanish more, Jaquez stated. I find that crucial. You must comprehend my upbringing. My white mother attempted Spanish. My father spoke Spanish more. Family didn’t speak it growing up.
“I took Spanish in college and high school. I visited Mexico. My grandparents speak Spanish. I’ll spend the summer in Mexico trying to assimilate and learn the language. I will go around Mexico City and Guadalajara.”
On July 21, 2023, Miami Heat player Jaime Jaquez Jr. (center) poses with Burnie and Billy the Marlin before the game against the Colorado Rockies at LoanDepot Park in Miami.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has contemplated expanding to Mexico City. In their second season in Mexico City, the G League Capitanes play in an NBA-ready 22,300-seat facility. The NBA has played in Mexico since 1992, including the Atlanta Hawks’ 120-119 triumph against the Orlando Magic in Mexico City on Nov. 9, 2023, before 19,986 people.
Jaquez might profit in Mexico, Latin America, and other Spanish-speaking regions as an NBA star. With 128 million inhabitants in 2023, Mexico was the 10th most populous nation. The official language of 21 nations and territories is Spanish.
As NBA popularity grows, a Spanish-speaking great player may capitalize on those markets.
“That is something my father and I have seen much earlier, even in high school,” Jaquez added. Understanding that basketball isn’t huge in Latin America and South America gives them a chance to embrace it with the proper individuals. I know spreading the game is making a difference.
It’s about basketball passion. The more Mexicans and South Americans see and enjoy the game, the more they will adore it as Americans and Europeans have. Best game in the world.”
NBA had a record 125 foreign players from 40 nations and territories in 2023-24. They were not Mexican. Ayon was the final Mexican NBA player in 2013-14.
Jaquez may inspire a new generation of Mexican NBA players and fans with his great skills.
Jaquez: “The league is becoming more and more diverse.” Europeans are coming. People from the Bahamas, Mexico, and Finland are arriving. This sport is global. As the NBA expands, more Latino players will make an impact.”