The Miami Heat’s New Year’s Day game in Los Angeles offered a unique moment for basketball fans and cultural observers alike. Following the game against the Clippers, Heat rookie guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. addressed reporters’ questions in Spanish. This simple act highlighted a broader, often overlooked narrative within the NBA: the growing presence and impact of Mexican Nba Players.
While the league boasts a diverse roster of international talent, the story of Mexican players in the NBA is still being written. Jaquez Jr. is part of a select, but increasingly visible, group of players with Mexican heritage who are making their mark. As a rising star on a global stage, he embodies the hopes and aspirations of aspiring basketball players in Mexico and Mexican-Americans dreaming of reaching the NBA and WNBA.
“I’ve been noticing it a lot, even in college as well, the impact that I’m having on a community,” Jaquez shared in a recent interview. “I guess more now because the NBA is a much bigger league. But even in college, people were coming up to me and thanking me for representing something much bigger than myself.”
Jaquez’s perspective reflects a growing awareness of his role. “I didn’t come into this league thinking I want to be the best Mexican basketball player to play. That wasn’t necessarily my goal. But if that comes along, that’s great to be able to make an impact.” This humble yet ambitious outlook underscores the significance of his presence in the league.
A History of Mexican Heritage in the NBA
While Jaquez Jr. is capturing attention now, the history of Mexican NBA players extends back decades, often interwoven with the broader Latino influence in American basketball. Mark Aguirre, a three-time NBA All-Star and two-time champion, stands as a prominent figure. With a father and grandfather from Mexico, Aguirre even considered representing Mexico on the international stage, according to reports from the Chicago Tribune.
Jorge Gutierrez, a Mexican-American player, logged 47 NBA games, paving the way for future generations. Similarly, Earl Watson, a former NBA guard and head coach, has Mexican-American heritage through his mother. Devin Booker, a Phoenix Suns star and three-time All-Star, also shares this heritage through his mother. Juan Toscano-Anderson, an NBA champion who recently joined the Sacramento Kings after playing for the G League Mexico City Capitanes, proudly represents his Mexican-American and African-American background.
However, the number of native Mexican NBA players remains surprisingly small. Since the NBA’s inception in 1946, only three players born in Mexico have reached the league. Eduardo Najera is perhaps the most recognizable, having played 619 games across several teams including the Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets, averaging 4.9 points and 3.7 rebounds. Horacio Llamas played in 28 games, and Gustavo Ayon appeared in 135 games.
“Najera was before my time, but I’m fully aware of who he was and what he was able to do,” Jaquez acknowledges, highlighting the importance of recognizing the contributions of those who came before.
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Heat president Pat Riley pose for a portrait on June 23, 2023, at Kaseya Center in Miami
Miami Heat personnel including coach Erik Spoelstra, rookie guard Jaime Jaquez Jr., and president Pat Riley posing for a team portrait during the 2023 NBA pre-season, showcasing the integration of Mexican heritage into the Miami Heat organization.
Jaime Jaquez Jr.: A Rookie Sensation and Cultural Bridge
Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s journey to the NBA is marked by consistent growth and accolades. As a senior at UCLA, he earned second-team All-American honors, averaging an impressive 17.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Despite being considered an older prospect, the Miami Heat saw his potential and selected him with the 18th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft.
This decision has quickly proven insightful. In a preseason NBA general manager survey, 10% of respondents identified Jaquez as potentially the “biggest steal” of the draft. Playing in Miami, a city with a large Hispanic and Spanish-speaking population, has amplified the local enthusiasm for Jaquez.
“I was at an [autograph] signing at a Miami Heat store and you got people bringing Mexican flags to sign. There is pride at the games with people saying, ‘Viva Mexico’ to me,” Jaquez recounts, illustrating the strong connection he has forged with the Mexican and Mexican-American community in Miami.
Entering a recent game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Jaquez was averaging 13.7 points (fourth among NBA rookies), 3.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. His performance includes a career-high 31-point game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Christmas Day, and he has started in multiple consecutive games for the Heat. His impactful rookie season positions him as a likely participant in the NBA All-Star Rising Stars Challenge.
“I trusted in my work,” Jaquez explains regarding his rapid success. “As long as I had an opportunity, I knew I would be able to perform. So, I got my opportunity and took advantage. I wouldn’t say I was shocked or surprised. I just trust in what I was able to do.”
Steve Kerr, coach of the Golden State Warriors, has taken notice: “It is impressive watching Jaime play. He is strong, physical, and very skilled. Obviously, he comes with experience. He has made a huge impact.”
Juan Toscano-Anderson believes Jaquez has the potential to transcend the achievements of previous Mexican NBA players. “He’s a hell of a player,” Toscano-Anderson stated. “Mature player. He was NBA-ready, and Miami was the perfect place for him to go, based on their culture. I think him playing so well and being in the [rookie of the year] chase, it enhances the magnitude/impact. He has more face time, more coverage, more support. So, it’s different. The previous Mexican players have all been role players. He has the chance to be more than that.”
Heat veteran Kevin Love echoes this sentiment, noting Jaquez’s maturity beyond his rookie status: “His personality is not like a rookie. He makes rookie mistakes out there on the floor. But as far as his personality, he is one of us and blends in with us well. And with his game, he has been very impactful.”
Chicago Bulls forward Torrey Craig (left) and Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (right) compete for a rebound during the third quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on Dec. 14, 2023, in Miami
Action shot of Mexican NBA player Jaime Jaquez Jr. from the Miami Heat battling for a rebound against Torrey Craig of the Chicago Bulls, illustrating his competitive spirit in NBA gameplay.
A Basketball Family and Future Aspirations
Basketball is deeply ingrained in Jaquez’s background. His grandfather, Ezequiel, played at Ventura Community College and Northern Arizona. His father, Jaime Jaquez Sr., and mother, Angela, both played college basketball at Concordia University in Irvine, California. His sister, Gabriela, is also a rising basketball star, currently playing for UCLA and attracting attention in her own right.
Gabriela’s success extends beyond college basketball; she was drafted into the WNBA by the Seattle Storm in 2022, becoming the first Mexican-American woman drafted into the league (she is also African-American). Jaquez notes that his sister also experiences the growing support from Mexican basketball fans.
“She is growing as her own basketball player, her own star. She is having her shine with me out of the picture in Los Angeles and at UCLA. She’s enjoying her time and doing well,” Jaquez proudly shares.
Jaquez’s commitment to his heritage extends to his efforts to improve his Spanish. He uses Duolingo and immerses himself in the Spanish-speaking environment of Miami. He plans to spend time in Mexico and has already visited Mexico City, Guadalajara, Cancun, Baja California, and Monterrey. He has also considered the possibility of playing for the Mexican national basketball team.
“My Spanish is getting better living in Miami. I’m using Spanish a lot more,” Jaquez says. “I think that is important. You got to understand the way I was brought up. My mother [who is white], tried to speak Spanish. But it was more so my father who spoke Spanish. Growing up, it wasn’t spoken in the household.” He is actively working to strengthen his connection to his Mexican roots through language and cultural immersion.
Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (center) poses with Miami Heat mascot Burnie and Miami Marlins mascot Billy the Marlin before the game between the Miami Marlins and the Colorado Rockies at LoanDepot Park on July 21, 2023, in Miami
Jaime Jaquez Jr., a prominent Mexican NBA player, engaging with fans and mascots Burnie from the Miami Heat and Billy the Marlin from the Miami Marlins, showcasing his broad appeal across different sports in Miami.
The Future of Mexican Players and Basketball in Mexico
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has openly discussed Mexico City as a potential expansion location, signaling the league’s growing interest in the Mexican market. The G League Capitanes are based in Mexico City, playing in a large, NBA-caliber arena. The NBA has held games in Mexico since 1992, with increasing fan attendance, demonstrating the burgeoning basketball interest in the country.
For Jaquez, becoming an NBA star carries significant potential in Mexico, Latin America, and Spanish-speaking markets globally. Mexico’s large population and the widespread Spanish language present a substantial opportunity.
“That is something that my father and I have seen from a very long time ago, even when I was in high school,” Jaquez explains regarding the potential market. “Just understanding that basketball isn’t really that big in Latin America and South America, there is an opportunity for them to embrace the sport with the right person and the right people. Myself, I know I am making a big impact trying to spread the game.”
“It’s all about the love of the game of basketball. The more [people] from Mexico, South America appreciate and see the game, the more they will be able to fall in love with it the way everyone in America and Europe has as well. It’s the best game in the world.” Jaquez’s passion for basketball and his heritage position him as a key figure in expanding the sport’s reach.
The NBA’s increasing internationalization is evident in the record number of international players in the league. While native Mexican NBA players have been historically few, Jaquez’s emergence could inspire a new wave. The last native Mexican player before Jaquez, Gustavo Ayon, played in the league a decade ago, highlighting the gap Jaquez is bridging.
“The league is becoming more and more diverse,” Jaquez concludes. “Europeans are coming over. People are coming from all over, from the Bahamas to Mexico, all the way to Finland. It has become such an international sport. As the NBA grows and grows, you’re going to see more Latino players come in and make an impact.” Jaime Jaquez Jr. is not just a promising rookie; he represents a growing legacy of Mexican NBA players and the expanding global reach of basketball.
