Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month

MIAMI – The NBA announced Thursday that Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for games played in December.

It marks the 11th time a Heat rookie has won the honor and the third time a Heat rookie has done so multiple times, joining Caron Butler (four times) and Kendrick Nunn (three times).

The 23-year-old also earned the honor for his playing during the October/November stretch.

Jaquez, who was selected by the Heat in the first round (18th overall) in the 2023 NBA draft, has averaged 16.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 84.9 percent from the foul line in December.

He currently ranks second in steals per game, minutes per game and free throw percentage, fourth in scoring average, fifth in field goal percentage, seventh in assists per game and 10th in rebounds per game, according to NBA.com.

Jaquez scored 16 points in Miami’s Wednesday night 110-98 against the Los Angeles Lakers. He was one of Miami’s eight players who saw action and scored in double figures. Tyler Herro led the Heat with 21 points on the night at Kevin Love had a season-high 14 rebounds along with 10 points.

The Heat will conclude a five-game trip against the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. Tipoff is set for 9 p.m.