Getting traded can be devastating, especially if it's the first time in a player's career. That is exactly what Jaime Jaquez Jr. is learning right now after being acquired by the Milwaukee Bucks. As he told Miami Herald writer Anthony Chiang (subscription required), being traded was "devastating," but he also knows that big things could await him in Milwaukee. Maybe the biggest role of his career.
Still speaking to Chiang, Jaquez said, "I’m super excited to get with this new team. I feel like there’s a lot of opportunity for me in Milwaukee." He's right. One of the significant uncertainties with the team right now is the small forward spot. He didn't want to come and outright say it, but Jaquez is staring down an opportunity to make the leap into the starting lineup full-time this coming season.
Jaquez poised to make a leap
In his three seasons, Jaquez has started in only 38 of his 216 regular season games. That included a mere one start in 2025-26, in which the forward finished second in the Sixth Man of the Year running. It's clear that Jaquez is comfortable in that role. However, entering his fourth season, perhaps there is another level for him to reach if he takes on a bigger role.
During last year's career-best campaign, Jaquez averaged 15.4 points, five rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. If he's doing that off the bench, it would be interesting to see what he could do as a starter. If presented with the opportunity, Jaquez should be thrilled to take on a new role, as he is currently up for an extension, and the best way to get it would be by playing as key of a role as possible.
Small forward depth is unsettled
While the center and guard spots are full on this Bucks roster, the two forward positions still need to be sorted out. Between the two, Milwaukee has Jaquez, Ousmane Dieng, Kyle Kuzma, Pete Nance, Nate Ament, and Bogoljub Markovic. After the year he just had, Jaquez has to feel good about his odds of starting with the Milwaukee Bucks this coming season.
The most significant factor that could throw a wrench into all of this is Jonathan Kuminga. Milwaukee has been linked to the forward, who remains unsigned in NBA Free Agency. If the Bucks ultimately nab his signature, it could very well stamp Jaquez's role on Milwaukee's bench. Until that happens, JJJ is the frontrunner to claim the starting spot and play the largest role of his career.
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