The Miami Heat organization has long prided itself on its unique culture, valuing hard work and an unwavering work ethic above all else. It’s these qualities that have endeared players to head coach Erik Spoelstra and team president Pat Riley, making Jimmy Butler a perfect fit for the team.

Now, the Heat’s star player is looking to pass on the torch of this esteemed culture. Jimmy Butler has taken rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. under his wing, a heartwarming development evident from his social media accounts (via ClutchPoints).

Jaime Jaquez Jr. seems tailor-made for the Heat and their culture. During his collegiate days at UCLA, he established himself as one of the most physically dominant and tenacious players in NCAA basketball. Jaquez leveraged his size to excel in rebounding, exhibited an unyielding work ethic in honing his skills, and showcased continuous improvement.

The Heat prioritize selecting players whose character aligns with their team culture, making Jaquez a natural choice despite not being the youngest prospect or possessing the highest potential upside. He brings a valuable plug-and-play mentality, offering intelligence and the potential to be a reliable contributor from day one.

As for Jimmy Butler, he has successfully redeemed himself after previously being labeled a toxic player and poor leader. Since arriving in South Beach, Butler has been a driving force behind the Heat’s remarkable journey to the NBA Finals twice in four years, with three Eastern Conference appearances to his name.

All the Heat have needed is another star to help them climb over the championship hump, and with the mentorship of Butler, perhaps they’ve already found him in the form of Jaime Jaquez Jr.