Analyzing the Rookie Skill Sets of Jaime Jaquez Jr., Brandon Miller, and Others
The 2023 NBA rookie class has been dominated by Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder. These two rookies have received all the accolades, but it’s important not to overlook the achievements of the other rookies in this class. Many of them have been overshadowed due to playing on bad teams and limited playing time. However, this rookie class possesses the highest collective basketball IQ seen in quite a while. In this analysis, we will give some attention to the other top rookies who deserve credit.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., a player for the Miami Heat, is one such rookie who has proven himself on the court. While many teams prioritize potential and the future, Jaquez, a four-year college player, was selected later in the draft. However, he found himself in an ideal situation with the Miami Heat due to his determination and talent. Jaquez embodies the quintessential Miami Heat player with his high basketball IQ on both ends of the court and his level of toughness. What sets Jaquez apart is his maturity, as he turned 23 last month.
Jaquez’s offensive skills are highlighted by his pivot game. He possesses a wide range of moves, as demonstrated in a game against the Sacramento Kings. The Heat trust him to handle isolation plays, and he justified that trust by exploiting Josh Giddey’s defense against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jaquez drove at Giddey, posted him up, spun off him, and finished at the basket. Even when faced with multiple defenders, Jaquez showed patience and finished with finesse. In his rookie season, Jaquez has earned a spot in the Heat’s rotation, averaging 29.4 minutes per game and 12.7 points per game while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field. His maturity and success may lead teams to pay more attention to four-year college players who can make an immediate impact.
While the Charlotte Hornets may not have been performing well this season, one player who has been a standout is Brandon Miller. Miller’s stellar play has gone unnoticed due to the team’s struggles, but he has shown great potential. His style of play resembles that of Paul George of the LA Clippers, with a smoothness and agility that is reminiscent of the star player. One example of Miller’s skill is seen in a game against the Detroit Pistons, where he navigates coming off a ball screen with finesse, cutting off his defender and finishing with a floater in the lane. Miller’s impact is felt on both ends of the court, although it is difficult to fully assess his defensive abilities due to the Hornets’ poor defensive performance overall. However, Miller’s potential as a two-way player makes him a cornerstone for the Hornets to build around.
The Thompson twins, Ausar and Amen, have also made a name for themselves this season with their impressive skill sets. Ausar, known for his defensive prowess, has delivered on that end of the court while also showcasing impressive offensive skills. In one play against the Brooklyn Nets, Ausar drives past his defender, switches the ball from his right hand to his left, and explodes for a dunk. This level of offensive play was initially expected from his brother Amen, but it is on the defensive end where Amen has surprised many. Despite being assigned challenging defensive matchups against top players like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, Amen has shown great ability to fight over screens and battle in any situation. He is active on defense, defending pick-and-rolls, rotating to stop drives, and playing passing lanes. Both twins have excelled in areas that were initially thought to be their weaker points.
Other rookies who deserve recognition include Brandin Podziemski of the Golden State Warriors, who has been exceptional at drawing charges, and Bilal Coulibaly of the Washington Wizards, who has been consistent on both ends of the court. Gradey Dick of the Toronto Raptors has also been given opportunities and has made the most of them.
In conclusion, while Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren have garnered much attention in the 2023 NBA rookie class, it is important not to overlook the achievements of other rookies. Players like Jaime Jaquez Jr., Brandon Miller, and the Thompson twins have shown great potential and skill sets that deserve recognition. This rookie class is filled with high basketball IQ and players who can make an immediate impact on their teams. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how these rookies continue to develop and contribute to their respective teams.