Miami Heat fans will be seeing a familiar face at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas in the form of rising star Jamie Jaquez Jr.
Jaquez wasn't originally scheduled to play in the summer league due to his membership on the Select Squad that will play against the U.S. Olympic team, but multiple reports suggest the 23-year-old is expected to play in at least a few games for the Heat.
The new addition to the Heat's summer league roster had an outstanding rookie season, averaging 11.9 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 48.9 percent from the field in 75 games. Jaquez is in his second season after spending four years with the UCLA Bruins, but he has plenty of experience.
“I'd pick Steph, Bron, AD, KD and — no, I'd skip that, I'd pick the young guys,” Anthony said in the overtime video. “Halliburton, Anthony Edwards, Bam Adebayo, Jayson Tatum, Book.”
Anthony's selection was heavily criticized in the comment section, with many arguing that a young starting five is pointless, and instead, fans believe the coaching staff should go into the game with proven winners like James and Curry.
But neither is likely to happen.
The most likely outcome is that the starting lineup will rotate from game to game depending on the opponent — a veteran-heavy five will likely be on the court tonight against Canada (minus the injured Kevin Durant) — but Heat fans know Adebayo can make a lasting impact on the game regardless of playing time.
Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer for Inside the Heat. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow @AnthonyPasci.
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