For the second straight time, Heat wing Jaime Jaquez and Thunder big man Chet Holmgren have been named the NBA’s Rookies of the Month, the league announced on Thursday (via Twitter).
Former UCLA standout Jaquez, the 18th pick of the 2023 draft, averaged 16.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists on .481/.324/.849 shooting in 13 December games (33.6 MPG). He has helped keep Miami in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff hunt despite a series of injuries to key players.
Holmgren, the Western Conference winner, averaged 17.4 points, 7.7. rebounds, 2.4 assists and 3.5 blocks on .551/.385/.780 shooting in 13 December contests (29.7 MPG). After missing all of 2022/23 with a foot injury, the 21-year-old has appeared in every game for Oklahoma City thus far in ’23/24, and has been a major factor in the team holding the second-best record in the West (23-10).
According to the NBA (Twitter link), Utah’s Keyonte George, Portland’s Scoot Henderson, Dallas’ Dereck Lively and San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama were the other nominees in the West, while Washington’s Bilal Coulibaly, Charlotte’s Brandon Miller and Cleveland’s Craig Porter Jr. were nominated in the East.
Jaquez is such a dude. Harkens back to more of the old-school draft mentality, when 4 year college players were trusted to produce from the jump. Every team from picks 6-17 should be kicking themselves at least a little for passing on him. Every team could use a Jaquez.
Jacquez is solid but I wonder how much potential is actually there. Like I don’t see him becoming a 20 points per game as a starter kinda guy for anyone. But I don’t see Miami wanting to trade him anytime soon either although while everyone’s talking about him his value is probably the highest it will ever be.
Might just sound like a hater I just don’t see it sorry
Try watching more than a game or two.. kids ceiling is through the roof… has the body, skill, and drive to by a 15 year starter with All-Star’s under his belt… he’s like a bigger Gordon Hayward
I think Haywards is a good comp but I think he’s going to have a career closer to TJ Warren.
Hayward was his team’s number 1 option for multiple seasons and helped lead them to the playoffs and was a one time all star. I don’t see Jacquez as being his teams go to option or leading a team at all. TJ on the other hand was always a good scoring option has a similar body and skill set, only thing I’d give Jacquez an edge over him is that he could end up with one of those silly fan voted in all star appearances because he’s got that cult hero fan base growing.
when you think ben simmons is better than one of the 75 best players in NBA history.. you might be a lil off lol
Lakers could have had Jacquez. Another bonehead move by this embarrassment since Dr. Jerry’s demise. Yes, I know they had one good year, but overall with Jeannie, Little Brother, the Rambis situation, the obsequious relationship with LeBron. Eh.