Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. offers vague answer on Slam Dunk Contest participation
Miami Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. on Tuesday declined to publicly commit to participating in the Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Jaquez said last month that he would be open to competing in the event on Feb. 17, though he hadn’t formally received an invitation from the league then. However, according to Greg Sylvander of Five Reasons Sports, Jaquez is expected to participate in the contest.
The 18th pick Jaquez previously competed in a slam dunk contest in high school, defeating Philadelphia 76ers guard KJ Martin and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London in 2019. He also had the seventh-highest max vertical jump (39 inches) at the draft combine last year.
He addressed the report, via Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel.
Jaime Jaquez, Jr. says he can neither confirm nor deny he will be in the dunk contest during NBA All-Star weekend. Which means he will be in the dunk contest during NBA All-Star weekend.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) January 9, 2024
Jaquez became the third player in franchise history to win Rookie of the Month multiple times after taking the award in December. He averaged 16.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists during the month and produced a career-high 31 points and 10 rebounds on Christmas Day.
The 22-year-old has emerged as a key player with the Heat, averaging 13.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 steal on 50.7% shooting from the field in 36 games. He is fourth in rookie scoring and has the most minutes logged in the fourth quarter of any player (337.9).
The NBA typically asks rookies and other young players to compete in the Slam Dunk Contest, making Jaquez a strong candidate to suit up in the event. The only other player rumored to participate as of now is defending champion Mac McClung of the Osceola Magic.
