Miami Heat's Jaime Jaquez Teaming With Victor Wembanyama In Rising Stars Game
Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez is set to team with the top player of this year's rookie draft class.
On Tuesday, the rosters were announced for the Rising Stars Challenge during NBA All-Star Weekend. Jaquez is playing on a roster that includes No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs. Many have called the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama a generational player because of his combination of size, agility and perimeter game.
Here's the full team:
Victor Wembanyama, Spurs
Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets
Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors.
Jaime Jaquez. Jr., Heat
Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets
Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder
Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards
Jaquez, who was the 18th pick in the NBA draft, has already exceeded expectations. He is averaging 13.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He was near the top of the NBA rookie ladder until a groin injury slowed his progress. He has since hit a slump, but the hope is he recovers after the All-Star Break.
Jaquez Jr. is the 11th Heat player to take part in Rising Stars. The others are Tyler Herro (2020, 2021), Precious Achiuwa (2021), Kendrick Nunn (2020), Norris Cole (2012), Michael Beasley (2009, 2010), Dwyane Wade (2004, 2005), Udonis Haslem (2004, 2005), Caron Butler (2003), Kurt Thomas (1996) and Khalid Reeves (1995).
Also taking part is guard Alondes Williams of the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Miami Heat’s G League affiliate. Williams broke the Skyforce franchise record by scoring 55 points against the Salt Lake City Stars Jan. 7.
Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat, a Fan Nation channel for Sports Illustrated. He has covered the NBA since 2010.
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