Miami Heat rookie sensation Jaime Jaquez Jr. went viral for changing his facial hair during a video interview coverage of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers.
The 23-year-old forward didn’t have any facial hair in the latest recording of the NBA Unplugged with Kevin Hart, and people from the basketball community quickly took notice.
“Jaime Jaquez Jr’s girlfriend dared him to shave his facial hair this morning,” tweeted Matt Brodsky on X (formerly known on Twitter).
“Look like Josh Giddey brother,” commented @ncrews05 on ESPN’s Instagram post.
“bro just went back to his 20’s in like one shave 😂,” also commented @charles
_def_a_goober.
“Bro went from 78 to 63 overall 🤦🏻♂️” said @its.will21.
Credit: AP Photo
When asked why he shaved, Jaime Jaquez Jr. said his girlfriend played a role in the “impulse decision.”
“Honestly, it was an impulse decision this morning. I was just looking at my face. I was talking with my girlfriend, and she dared me. She was like, ‘I bet you won’t shave it.’ and I said I will, and it just kind of happened this morning,” said Jaquez.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. had a great rookie season with the Miami Heat
Jaime Jaquez Jr. had a successful first year in South Beach. He averaged 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game on 48.9 percent shooting from the field in the regular season, and then in the playoffs, he posted norms of 12.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game on 40.4 percent shooting.
Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA announced Tuesday that the UCLA product was named to the All-Rookie First Team, becoming the seventh player in Miami Heat history to achieve such a feat, joining Kendrick Nunn (2019-20), Michael Beasley (2008-09), Dwyane Wade (2003-04), Caron Butler (2002-03), Steve Smith (1991-92) and Sherman Douglas (1989-90).
As the Miami Heat plan to improve their roster this summer, Jaime Jaquez Jr. figures to be part of the team’s long-term plans, and he will be expected to do better in his sophomore campaign.
