NBA Rookie Power Rankings: New name cracks top five heading into final week

5. Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Last week's rank: 5

Jaime Jaquez Jr. and the Miami Heat have struggled to find their offensive identity over the last few weeks. Jaquez Jr. has failed to have the same impact he once had since before the all-star break but has managed to have a handful of solid games.

With Miami's recent struggles over the last few weeks, it will be critical they can get all the help they can get as the NBA is just one week away from the regular season-ending. The Heat are currently in a three-way race for the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, and as of Monday morning, Miami is eighth.

Miami is currently half a game behind the Philadelphia 76ers for the seventh seed. If Miami fails to reach the top six by the end of the regular season, they will have to play in the Play-In Tournament. Fortunately for Heat fans, they have multiple big games against teams that have similar records.

While Jaquez Jr. has struggled to close his rookie season out, Miami has had a lot to love about their recent No. 18 pick. Jaquez Jr. has opened up a whole new tool when it comes to the offensive end with his elite cutting ability. While Jaquez Jr. has struggled to score over this recent rookie wall, his cutting ability has kept him in the rotation.

With just a week left before the Play-In tournament begins, it will be critical for the Heat's success that Jaquez Jr. find his shooting touch.