The Miami Heat look to bounce back from last season’s Jimmy Butler saga by making a run in the Eastern Conference.
In order to do so, Head Coach Erik Spoelstra will be looking for production elsewhere in his roster in order to replace the elite play Jimmy Butler brought to South Beach.
There are some clear contenders to fill that hole. Bam Adebayo is a three-time All-Star and has already played a starring role in the Heat’s Finals runs in 2020 and 2023. He has two Olympic Gold medals to his name and is one of the more underappreciated players in the NBA.
The Heat can also look to another All-Star, Tyler Herro, to step up from the perimeter. He’s shown flashes of promise after being drafted to the Heat, averaging 23.9 points per game last season. Herro is waiting on a contract extension from the Heat, so it’s a “prove it” year for him.
But beyond their stars, Spoelstra needs role players to step up to fill the deficit left by Butler. He’s seen something in a third-year player that could give Heat fans some optimism.
Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty ImagesErik Spoelstra impressed by Jaime Jaquez Jr., ‘I’ve seen improvement’
Jaime Jaquez Jr. took a step backward from what was a productive rookie season with the Heat. He was named to the All-Rookie First Team and averaged 11.9 points per game in his first season, but put up only 8.6 points per game last year.
He showed flashes, putting up 41 points and 10 rebounds in the final game of the season. But in the lead-up to that explosive night, Jaquez Jr. had not played four of the previous nine games due to a coach’s decision.
But Spoelstra said that going home to LA for the summer helped Jaquez Jr., who he has seen improvement from.
Speaking to reporters, the two-time champion head coach explained: “I’m pleased with the work he put in this summer. He spent a good amount of time in Miami before the draft, then he was able to take six weeks and go to LA to do some work.
Erik Spoelstra on Jaime Jaquez Jr.:
“He spent time in Miami before the draft, then six weeks in LA. I think that really helped him clear his mind and just get back to the joy of the game. He’s in terrific shape, aggressive, and grinding. It’s just about decision-making and… pic.twitter.com/8x6Gy9fblM
— Heat Diehards (@HeatDiehards) September 30, 2025
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“I think that really helped him clear his mind and just get back to the joy of the game. He’s going to work, he’s going to grind. I’m not at all concerned about that. But I want him coming in fresh. Going home and being able to set his own schedule, I think, was helpful.
“Then he came back in August and really prepared. He’s in terrific shape. He’s aggressive. We need that. Now it’s a matter of putting it together. It’s just about decision-making and knowing when to do what — and I’ve seen improvement.”
Unexpected players can grow into the role of a third star on a team. Take Austin Reaves, who has established himself as a pivotal piece for the Los Angeles Lakers alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Adebayo had faith in him last summer after a promising rookie season.
Bam Adebayo said Jaime Jaquez Jr. ‘belongs’ in the NBA
Before his sophomore slump, Jaquez Jr. was a player with real potential for the Heat moving forward. He impressed his teammates with a 31-point game in his rookie season against the Philadelphia 76ers.
In September 2024, Adebayo took time to compliment Jaquez Jr., who was entering his second year.
He told the Miami Herald, “Jaime has been showing us that he can play, that he belongs in this league. I feel like that’s the one thing that can be a high compliment, if you look at it the right way.
“Somebody saying you belong in the NBA and he’s shown that, he’s continuing to show that. I still see it when I’m working out and they’re playing pick-up in our arena.
“He’s still showing that he belongs, he deserves his spot, he deserves to play and that’s what you like about the young fella. He’s not scared to go into any battle against anybody.”
The Heat need that player back as they look to compete in a wide-open Eastern Conference. When Spoelstra looks down his bench for impact players, he’ll hope Jaquez Jr. can fill that role.