NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Brandon Miller falls, who takes his place?
By Jaren Boslow
![Jan 1, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) dunks over Utah Jan 1, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) dunks over Utah](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5190,h_2919,x_0,y_154/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/83/01hkddt0b6xjzjjdr19f.jpg)
3. Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Last week's rank: 3
Jaime Jaquez Jr. continues to surprise many fans after yet another strong week of games.
After the Miami Heat lost two of their last three games, they bounced back in a big way, blowing out the Los Angeles Lakers on National TV. Jaquez Jr. became a huge reason why the Heat were so dominant over the Lakers, as he finished with 16 points and eight rebounds.
Over the last five games, the Heat have relied heavily on Jaquez Jr. as he has started all five games and taken a huge role as one of the team's leading guards. Jaquez Jr. has not only shined in his role but has become dominant in whatever role Erik Spoelstra asks him to be.
Lately, it has been a point guard role, but in the past, Jaquez Jr. was looked at as a forward who could swing the ball or attack off closeouts.
Once Jimmy Butler gets healthy from injury, we could see Jaquez Jr.'s role diminish slightly. However, Jaquez Jr. has not only proven to be a vital piece for the Heat moving forward but also an important starter in Butler's absence.
The Heat have improved to a 20-14 record in Butler's absence, and Jaquez Jr. has become a huge reason why. Miami will continue playing tough opponents next week, so fans will keep a close eye on how Jaquez Jr. plays during these tough games.