If Jaime Jaquez Jr. comes off the bench for the Milwaukee Bucks this season, he will have a chance to further strengthen his chemistry with Kasparas Jakucionis. Both players came over in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade after spending last year with the Miami Heat. Despite a career year in 2024-25, Jaquez's pairing with Jakucionis actually left plenty to desire. If that improves, his ceiling will rise.
Jaquez-Jakucionis partnership has room to grow
Last season, Jakucionis passed the ball to Jaquez 327 times. It was by far the teammate he shared the ball with the most, with Norman Powell coming in second at 148. Despite the frequency, Jaquez never quite got into a groove off those Jakucionis passes, shooting just 27-of-73 (37 percent from the floor), including a foul 3-of-16 from distance (18.8 percent).
Even with the lack of success off Jakucionis, Jaquez still took massive strides as a scorer, averaging 15.4 points while shooting 50.7 percent from the floor. Imagine the numbers he could have put up if he sank a few more of those shots off Jakucionis' passes. If these two are sharing the second unit in Milwaukee, perhaps Jaquez will answer that question.
This pairing could fuel Milwaukee's second unit
There's no telling yet who will be starting, coming off the bench, or not even playing for the Bucks in 2026-27. Those answers will come after what should be a fascinating training camp. However, there is a chance both Jaquez and Jakucionis come off the bench this season. With the backcourt loaded and Jaquez proving he's among the best sixth men in the NBA, it would make sense.
The Milwaukee Bucks could look to develop Jakucionis further by handing him a crucial role as a ball-handler, while Jaquez could be a secondary handler and primary scorer. If the connection improves in terms of productivity, with Jakucionis picking up assists while Jaquez scores, both players could put together the best seasons of their young NBA careers.
This connection alone won't be the primary factor, but it could play a major part in Jaquez's future in Milwaukee or elsewhere. The forward is currently set to play out the year on an expiring contract, and topping his career-best year in 2024-25 could be the best way to earn himself a lucrative offer when the time comes next summer.
If Jaquez can pay off some of these passes from his young teammate, it will set them both up for success.
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