Everything you need to know about Jaime Jaquez Jr’s contract and player profile

Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s contract with the Miami Heat signifies the beginning of what promises to be an illustrious NBA career for the former UCLA standout. After being selected as the 18th overall pick in the NBA draft, Jaquez Jr. quickly became a topic of interest for basketball fans and analysts alike, eager to see how his collegiate success translates to the professional level.

This article provides an in-depth look at Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s contract, stats, background, and more, offering a complete profile of the rising star. Information regarding his contract and career milestones was meticulously compiled from reliable sports news sources and official NBA announcements.

Profile summary

How old is Jaime Jaquez Jr.?

Jaime Jaquez Jr. (aged 23 years as of 2024) was born on February 18, 2001, in Irvine, California. He is the eldest sibling to his brother, Marcos, and sister, Gabriela.

Raised in Camarillo, he attended Camarillo High School, where, from his freshman year, he showcased his basketball prowess by averaging 15.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.6 steals per game. This outstanding performance led his team to a commendable 25–7 record and a berth in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) semifinals.

Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s high school stats

His high school tenure culminated with him earning first-team All-CIF Southern Section honours and amassing 2,653 career points. Jaquez Jr. set a new school record by scoring 54 points in a single game against Royal High School. In addition to his basketball achievements, he also contributed to his high school’s athletic program as a pitcher for the baseball team.

College career

Jaquez was recruited to the University of California, Los Angeles. Initially recruited by UCLA’s then-coach Steve Alford, Jaime Jaquez Jr. remained committed to the Bruins despite Alford’s 2018 departure, subsequently replaced by Mick Cronin.

Making an immediate impact, Jaquez became a starter at the Maui Jim Maui Invitational in November 2019, quickly distinguishing himself with notable performances, including a season-high 18 points against San Jose State. By his freshman year, he was already contributing significantly, averaging 8.9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game and earning an honourable mention on the Pac-12 All-Freshman team.

Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s college stats

Continuing to excel, Jaquez faced challenges in the 2021-22 season, battling ankle injuries but still managing to secure key victories for UCLA, including a career-high 30 points against Washington. His resilience and skill on the court earned him a spot on the All-Pac-12 first team and the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team, highlighting his critical role in UCLA’s success.

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Football

Culminating his college career with awards such as the Lute Olson Award and being named Pac-12 Player of the Year, Jaquez declared for the NBA draft. He left a legacy as one of UCLA’s top players in history.

Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s contract and NBA draft

Initially seen as a potential first-round draft pick, Jaime Jaquez Jr. was chosen by the Miami Heat as the 18th overall and the only Pac-12 Player in the first round, becoming UCLA’s first senior first-round pick since 2009. He signed with the Heat on July 1 and participated in the 2023 Summer League, though an injury cut his play short.

How much does Jaime Jaquez Jr. earn?

Several reports indicated that the Miami Heat proposed a four-year, $17 million contract to their emerging rookie. The Miami Herald disclosed that he will be paid $3.5 million for the 2023-24 season. His salary will rise to $3.7 million in the 2024-25 season, $3.9 million in the 2025-26 season, and $5.9 million in the 2026-27 season.

Starting the regular season with limited minutes due to a preseason injury, Jaquez made his starting debut against the Timberwolves on October 28, 2023, and later clinched a game with a 3-pointer against the Grizzlies. Achieving a personal best of 20 points against the Hawks.

Jaquez Jr.’s Rookie of the Month awards and other stats

He was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for October/November, joining a select group of Heat players to win the award. On Christmas, he scored a career-high 31 points against the 76ers and earned a second Rookie of the Month for December.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. made headlines in February 2024 as he was officially selected to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest during the NBA All-Star Weekend. With the news revealed, he now represents the Miami Heat in this high-flying competition, continuing the franchise’s legacy with previous participants like Derrick Jones Jr., Harold Miner, and Billy Thompson.

Which position does Jaime Jaquez Jr. play?

The UCLA alumni play primarily as a small forward/shooting guard. His versatility allows him to adapt to different play styles and team needs.

Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s jersey number 11 has become a symbol of his growing popularity among Miami Heat fans and basketball enthusiasts. His defensive capabilities and athleticism enable him to guard multiple positions, making him a valuable asset to the Miami Heat’s roster.

Who are Jaime Jaquez Jr.'s parents?

Jaime Jaquez Jr. is the son of Jaime Jaquez Sr. and Angela Jaquez, both of whom have an athletic background from their college days, having met while playing basketball for Concordia University. His father, Jaime Sr., and mother, Angela, were collegiate athletes, embedding a strong foundation in sports within their family.

Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s parent’s ethnicity

Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s ethnic background is a blend of Mexican and American heritage. His father, Jaime Jaquez Sr., is of Mexican descent, contributing to Jaime Jr.’s Hispanic heritage.

Who are his siblings?

Jaime Jaquez Jr. has two siblings: a younger brother named Marcos and a younger sister named Gabriela. Gabriela has also made a name for herself in basketball and was recognized for her talents by being named an MVP at the 2022 McDonald’s All-American Girls Game, indicating that athletic prowess runs in the family.

Angela and Jaime Sr. vowed years ago that they would always have a family member present at their children’s games. Fulfilling this commitment has become more challenging with their children often on the move for basketball, yet they strive to uphold it. Jaime Sr. shared with Our Esquina:

Who is Jaime Jaquez Jr.'s girlfriend?

Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s significant other is Ciera Muscarella. Their relationship began in 2016 when both were just 15 years old, witnessing Jaquez Jr.’s rise in basketball alongside Muscarella’s development into a talented track and field athlete at Long Beach State University.

His girlfriend, who was a track and field athlete, went to Long Beach State University while Jaime Jaquez Jr. was at UCLA. Muscarella has consistently supported Jaquez Jr. throughout his journey, from his collegiate days at UCLA to his transition into the NBA.

Final word

Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s contract with the Miami Heat not only signifies a crucial step in his professional career but also establishes him as a key figure to watch in the coming seasons. This strategic move by the Heat, as detailed in sports media and official NBA communications, reflects their commitment to nurturing his talent and integrating it into their vision for future success.

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Name	Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Date of birth	February 18, 2001
Place of birth	Irvine, California, USA
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Mexican-American
Height	6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
High school	Camarillo High School (Camarillo, California)
College	UCLA (2019–2023)
NBA draft	2023, 1st round, 18th overall pick by the Miami Heat
NBA team	Miami Heat
Position	Small forward / Shooting guard
Jersey number	11
Professional debut	2023–24 NBA season
Achievements	Consensus second-team All-American (2023), Pac-12 Player of the Year (2023), First-team All-Pac-12 (2022, 2023)
Family	Son of Jaime Jaquez Sr. and Angela Jaquez; has a younger brother, Marcos, and a younger sister, Gabriela
Social media	Instagram, X (Twitter)