Jaime Jaquez Jr. is taking his talents to the 2024 NBA Rising Stars event

MIAMI, FL – The NBA announced today that HEAT rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr., a two-time Rookie of the Month honoree, has been selected as one of 11 rookies to participate in the 2024 NBA Rising Stars event. Jaquez Jr. becomes the 11^th HEAT player to be selected, joining Tyler Herro (2021 & 2020), 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). Rising Stars, which will air live at 9PM on TNT, will be played at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Friday, February 16.

Jaquez Jr., who was selected by the HEAT in the first round (18^th overall) in the 2023 NBA Draft, has appeared in 41 games (15 starts) and averaged 13.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.10 steals and 29.9 minutes while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 83.7 percent from the foul line. He has recorded 29 double-figure games, including six 20-point games and one 30-point performance.

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Jaquez Jr. posted a 31-point, 10-rebound double-double on December 25 vs. Philadelphia, becoming just the fifth rookie in NBA history to record a 30-point, 10-rebound double-double in a Christmas Day game, joining only Patrick Ewing (1985), Walt Bellamy (1961), Oscar Robertson (1960) and Wilt Chamberlain (1959). His 31 points are tied for the seventh-most by a rookie on Christmas in league history and also tied for the third-most by any HEAT player.

Jaquez Jr. scored in double-figures in 13-straight games from November 20 through December 16, the longest streak by a HEAT rookie since Dwyane Wade (15 games). He has posted three 20-point games off the bench, already tied for the fifth-most by a HEAT rookie in franchise history. Additionally, Jaquez Jr. has played 371.1 fourth quarter minutes this season, the 11^th most in the entire NBA.

Among rookie league leaders this season, he ranks first in steals per game, second in free throw percentage, third minutes per game, fourth in scoring average and field goals made, fifth in free throws made, sixth in field goal percentage, seventh in assists per game, tied for 11^th in three-point field goals made and 13^th in rebounds per game.