Heat Roundup: Jaquez Pushes for Sixth Man Recognition, Larsson Remains Out, Miami Shuts Down Adebayo Trade Talk
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MIAMI — In his third NBA season, forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. has vaulted into the conversation for the league’s Sixth Man of the Year award. Through 33 games, all but one coming off the bench, the 25-year-old leads all reserves with 530 bench points and ranks near the top in several other statistical categories.
“He definitely should be in the mix for Sixth Man of the Year,” guard Norman Powell said. “Every night he puts his stamp on the game, either closing tight ones or blowing them open with his downhill attacks.”
Jaquez earned All-Rookie honors in 2024 but struggled last season when he eventually fell out of head coach Erik Spoelstra’s rotation. He credited offseason work for his resurgence. “You realize how much you love basketball,” Jaquez said. “It’s not fun when you’re not playing, so I’m just appreciating how fun the sport is.”
Larsson sidelined again
Rookie guard Pelle Larsson missed his second consecutive game Friday with a sprained right ankle. Listed as questionable during the day, he was downgraded to out shortly before tip-off.
Heat turn away calls on Adebayo
Rival teams have asked Miami about the availability of three-time All-Star center Bam Adebayo, but the Heat have made it clear he is not on the market, ESPN analyst Zach Lowe said in a televised segment. “Other teams have for sure asked about Bam and have been told, ‘Hell no,’” Lowe reported. He added that any pursuit of star players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo would center on pairing them with Adebayo rather than moving him.
Herro nearing return
Guard Tyler Herro (toe contusion) could be back soon, and Miami is studying how to reintegrate a high-volume scorer. Hawks coach Quin Snyder, who is navigating a similar situation with Trae Young, described the process as a “long runway.” Snyder said, “Everybody is not going to be acclimated to one another immediately. You keep working at it.”
The Heat entered Friday holding a 20-13 record and sit in the upper half of the Eastern Conference standings as they await reinforcements and continue their push toward the postseason.
Source: Hoops Rumors
