Expansion, international games and Heat: Jaime Jaquez Jr. opens up about the NBA

Jaime Jaquez Jr., a winger of Mexican descent who plays for the Miami Heat, will be one of the main attractions at NBA House. The event is in its tenth edition and will be attended by the 25-year-old from the 5th to the 8th of June.

CNN Brasil participated in a chat with Jaquez, in which he, in addition to the unprecedented experience of coming to Brazil, discussed the possibility of expansion in the NBA and the greater number of international games in the league, commented on the Heat's moment and much more. Below, check out what the winger said.

Possibility of a Mexican franchise in the NBA and expansion of the league
Obviously, there are many basketball fans in Mexico. I think it's really a matter of continuing the expansion of the NBA. They are already talking about adding two new teams. But I think the NBA thinks so broadly and so big that I don't see why there couldn't be NBA teams all over the world and grow the league globally. As for what's missing, I honestly don't think there's much missing. They have great fans who support local teams, whether it's football, basketball or baseball. I think the only thing is really patience and time. It's only a matter of time before that happens.

I can't say exactly when, but I believe that at some point in the future this will certainly happen. I think whenever there are fans in other countries, it helps the league grow internationally, especially since the last six MVP's have gone to foreigners. Basketball has truly become a global sport. That's something I'm very proud of, especially as someone trying to promote the NBA and the game I love around the world. I want to continue to see the sport grow, because the more it grows, the more great players enter the league every year, the more people start playing for the first time, and that creates better players and better competition.

Entering the NBA
I would say that, when I arrived, what impacted me the most was the length of the season. 82 games are no joke. It's something you really need to adapt to and learn to take care of your body in the best way possible.

Miami Heat's momentum under Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra
I think, at the end of the day, they're always trying to compete. That's the Miami Heat way. That's how they've worked for a long time and that's something I really admire, competing with any cast, at any time. As a player, you really value that. Let's see (what the future of the franchise will be like). That's up to them. I'm not in their heads. I only play basketball. Whatever they decide to do, you support it, and whatever happens, happens.

Final stretch of the NBA and FIBA basketball
I've been following NBA TV, watching it every night. The level of basketball at this time of year is extremely high. Very physical. I'm looking forward to seeing who will take the trophy this year. At the moment, I don't have anything related to FIBA. I'm focused this offseason. That's all I can say right now.

Coming to Brazil
It's my first time in Brazil. It's been on my wish list for a long time. I am extremely excited to meet the people, try the food and explore the city of São Paulo. I've never been to the country, but I have a friend who lives in my apartment and is from Brazil. I've been asking him about the experience and what he likes about his country. He is very excited for me to go and visit, he told me a lot of good things and I expect the food to be extremely good, because that's what my Brazilian friend told me. He said the food is amazing, especially the sushi and fish. I'm really excited to try it.

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The moment in the NBA
Last Monday (25), the New York Knicks confirmed their victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers and won the Eastern Conference title - point guard Jalen Brunson was also elected MVP, winning the Larry Bird Trophy. In the Western Conference, Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs play Game 7 of the decision at the Paycom Center, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at 9pm on Saturday (30).

NBA House 2026 takes place between June 3rd and 21st, in São Paulo - Photo: Disclosure/ NBA House
NBA House 2026: what's coming next
With approximately 6 thousand square meters of interactive attractions linked to basketball and pop culture, NBA House 2026 will be held at Shopping Eldorado, in São Paulo, between June 3rd and 21st. This year's edition marks the 10th anniversary of the event in Brazil and will have the largest structure ever assembled at the site.

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The event will feature immersive experiences for fans of all ages, such as NBA Finals broadcasts on game nights; live musical performances; official store with exclusive products; outdoor basketball court with food and beverage options and mascot participation.

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In addition, the event will pay special tribute to Oscar Schmidt, who died on April 17, aged 68. The tribute space will bring together historical memorabilia, audiovisual content and emblematic records of "Mão Santa's" career.

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Cup Tree provided by Sofascore

Source: CNN