This has been a lackluster regular season for the Miami Heat. After their improbable

Finals run last year, they have to earn a playoff spot via a play-in tournament for the second year in a row. The ups and downs throughout the year were concerning. They’ve gone through everything. Their seven-game losing streak in late January was scary. It looked like the season was going down the drain, but they had the fifth-ranked defense for the year. They’ve been the definition of inconsistent.

The Heat are a tough team to get a true feel for. They can play up to their competition but also look like a deer in headlights when facing a weaker foe. The turmoil may be the most memorable part of the regular season, but two young players emerged as franchise cornerstones. These players would be untouchable in trade talks unless they could help land hall-of-fame-level talent.

Jamie Jaquez Jr. is another Heat gem. The organization is known for turning unwanted players into guys who earn a second contract. Jaquez fell in the draft in part because he was a four-year player out of UCLA. These players get the reputation of being close to their ceiling before they step foot on an NBA court. The general managers who passed on Jaquez got this one wrong, as he is already an impact player.

Rim pressure is essential in basketball. The ability to get to the basket and collapse the defense is needed to have a free-flowing offense. Jaquez is one of the best drivers in his rookie class. His 6.7 drives per game rank fifth amongst rookies.