He’s earned the right to show off the muscles. Jaime Jaquez Jr. signed one of the “posters” of last night in Summer League, going to dunk on several young Lakers, with one hand and after being served at full speed in transition.
This set the tone for the debut of the Heat rookie, selected in 18th position in the last draft. The former UCLA had however signed a difficult start to the game with three fouls conceded in the first minutes of play, and an ugly 1/5 on shots (including an “airball”) to start the game.
” I started a little slow, but it happens “, relativizes the 22-year-old player. ” I knew he was a little nervous », reports on his side Caron Butlerthe Heat coach for this summer league.
This stage fright gradually evaporated, thanks to this dunk in particular, and its ease in making its way through the racket. He was then able to show his skill behind the arc, in “catch-and-shoot”. ” It’s really good to have been able to do that from the first game », Appreciates the rookie who showed an early chemistry in the game with Nikola Jovic (21 points).
“ You have to keep being aggressive, having confidence and I think that’s what I’ve been able to do, which is to go to my areas of play and find open shots “, Continues the native of California who finished top scorer (22 points at 8/15 on shots including 3/7 from afar) in a game largely dominated by Miami (107-90).
” I told him to trust him. It’s a high draft pick for us. We know that we will feed on him in attack and teach him the defensive principles. He did an outstanding job of staying in the game. This guy has always managed to stand out in his career, so he’s not lacking in confidence “, ends Butler.
