Heat’s Jaime Jaquez Jr speaks at White House Cinco de Mayo event with Joe Biden as rookie insists he’s ‘proud’ to carry on Mexican-American heritage

Miami Heat Mexican-American rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr was invited to the White House on Monday to speak alongside Joe Biden at the Cinco de Mayo presidential reception.

Jaquez, who was selected by Miami with the No. 18 pick in last year’s NBA draft, spoke of his pride in carrying on the legacy of Mexican Americans and promoting the traditions “that make “spirit of our people so great”.

“I stand here before you, on the shoulders of giants,” the 23-year-old told the crowd in attendance.

“There are generations of proud and incredibly accomplished Mexican Americans who came before me. I am proud to carry on their legacy and continue to promote the traditions of Mexican Americans that make the spirit of our people so great. A tradition and spirit built on hard work, a strong moral code and the importance of family.

Miami Heat Mexican-American rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr was invited to the White House on Monday to speak alongside Joe Biden at the Cinco de Mayo presidential reception.

Jaquez spoke about his pride in carrying on the legacy of Mexican Americans at the event.

The 23-year-old then introduced Biden to the crowd and handed over the baton to the president.

“Thank you, President Biden and the administration for celebrating our community and all of our contributions here today.”

Jaquez then introduced Biden, who thanked the NBA star before praising him on his tremendous rookie season with Miami – which saw him average 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per match.

“Jaime, thanks for the introduction buddy, I’ve always admired you…” he joked with the 6-foot-6 basketball player. “Congratulations on a great rookie season in the NBA.

“As you said, you stand on the shoulders of those who came before you. Future generations will stand on your six foot six shoulders and be much taller men.

Jaquez helped the Heat reach the NBA playoffs during his first season in Miami, but they failed to advance past the first round after a 4–1 loss to the Boston Celtics.

Following their elimination, the former UCLA guard attended the Miami Grand Prix last weekend with teammates Jimmy Butler, Kevin Love and Duncan Robinson.

Biden praised Jaquez for his outstanding rookie season with the Heat in 2023-24

The former UCLA guard is averaging 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.

The Heat quartet were joined by sporting royalty at a beach party following Sunday’s race, in which McLaren’s Lando Norris prevailed to ultimately take his first ever F1 victory.

Super Bowl champions Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs attended the festivities at Carbone Beach, while Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow also appeared on the elite guest list.

NBA royalty LeBron James and Kevin Durant were also spotted at the event, alongside basketball bad-boy Draymond Green.