Many people, this writer included, have already penciled in Jaime Jaquez Jr. as the new starting small forward for the Milwaukee Bucks. While the newcomer would be a solid fit for the job, there is a world where he feels more comfortable sticking in his sixth man role, where he has been through his entire career to this point, based on previous comments made to the Miami Herald's Anthony Chiang.
“I really embrace it,” Jaquez said of his sixth man role. “I enjoy it. I like spearheading the second unit. It allows me to be extra vocal and kind of lead. Leadership role in that second unit. I just really embrace it.”
Jaquez is an elite sixth man
There is no doubt that Jaquez enjoys his reserve role. He proved that last season by being one of the best second-unit players NBA-wide, having finished second in the Sixth Man of the Year race. Being in that position allowed him, as he mentioned, to take on a significant opportunity. The same amount of touches and looks would not have gone his way as a starter next to other ball-dominant players.
One could argue that same logic could follow him to Milwaukee. The starting lineup currently looks like it will feature Tyler Herro, who will take on significantly more responsibility than he did in Miami, Ryan Rollins, Kyle Kuzma, and Myles Turner, who are all players who like to have the ball. If Jaquez is coming off the bench, he would have far more opportunities to do what he pleases with the ball.
Bringing Jaquez off the bench to lead that second unit while starting someone like Ousmane Dieng, who could serve as more of a spot-up shooter than a ball-dominant forward, could make sense.
Jaquez is eyeing a career year
Jaquez needs to be wherever will allow him to be the most productive version of himself. While there is still time to extend him, it sure looks like the forward will play out his first season in Milwaukee on an expiring contract. Due for his first big raise next summer, Jaquez needs to have a career year if he is seeking long-term commitment from the Milwaukee Bucks or someone else.
Obviously, in that regard, the starting role could be desirable, given that he'd be among the first few players on the floor every night. However, as mentioned, sharing the floor with so many other names who need the ball could tank his productivity. That sixth-man role could be Jaquez's best shot to be in a position he knows well and be the best version of himself productivity-wise.
Of course, it all comes down to what Taylor Jenkins wants to do. Where Jaquez fits will be one of the prominent questions facing Milwaukee's new coach.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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