Last year, Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez was arguably the steal of the NBA draft.

He exceeded all expectations after being selected 18th overall out of UCLA. His development as a rookie is why Heat center Bam Adebayo believes Jaquez could become an All-Star.

“I feel like Jaime can be an All-Star,” Adebayo told Miami Heat On SI. “Jaime can be a household name in the NBA. He didn’t play like a normal rookie. He played in big games in college. He was the No. 1 option in college.”

Adebayo appreciates that Jaquez played four seasons in college, mostly as a No. 1 overall pick. It took Adebayo three years to earn his first All-Star selection.

He sees no reason why Jaquez couldn’t follow the same path. He’s arguably the Heat’s most productive rookie since Dwyane Wade in 2003. Last year, Jaquez averaged 11.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists. At one point, he was a regular starter before an injury ended his final season against the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs.

“He knows how to handle certain situations when he gets the ball,” Adebayo said. “I feel like the sky’s the limit. He has no ceiling. He’s a different player than he was last year, just from what I’ve seen in a couple of 5-on-5 practices. [with Team USA select]” . ”

Shandel Richardson is the editor of Miami Heat On SI. You can contact him at [email protected]

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