Miami Heat Rookie Watch - Kasparas Jukucionis

Even with NIL deals providing college players with millions of dollars, the lure of the NBA is always going to supersede staying in school, especially when you are projected to be a top ten draft pick. However, in the case of Miami Heat guard Kasparas Jakucionis, he may have been better off staying one more year in Illinois.

That’s because, although he was projected to be a lottery pick by many analysts and mock drafts, the freshman slid to 20th before the Heat nabbed him. The slide may have been justified. 

To understand the drop in stock, it helps to take a look at where Jakucionis came from as a player and where he is heading into the season. A 6’6” combo guard, Jakucionis grew up playing for various FC Barcelona teams before moving to the U.S. for his one-and-done college season. While playing for the Fighting Illini, Jakucionis more than justified his four-star recruiting ranking, earning a spot on the All-Big Ten Second Team and the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, averaging 15 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists.

On paper, the production looks perfect for the Heat. A well-rounded guard with elite court vision and high IQ plays into exactly what Pat Riley looks for in a backcourt player. The question is, does the rookie have enough to earn a spot in a crowded guard rotation? With experienced players such as Tyler Herro, Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, and Davion Mitchell, plus young guards like Dru Smith and Pelle Larsson also looking for minutes, the Heat are packed in the backcourt. Considering Riley and coach Spoelstra look to retool, not rebuild, earning minutes as a rookie may be a challenge.

In six games with the Heat’s Summer League squad, Jakucionis’s performance offered a preview of both his potential and his inconsistencies. The 19-year-old averaged 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over six games, but also turned the ball over 3.7 times per contest. He flashed lottery pick potential with strong outings against Atlanta and Detroit, but struggled in the other four games, failing to reach double figures while committing more turnovers than assists.

If the Heat are capable of staying within playoff contention in the troubled Eastern Conference, adding the talented rookie in a trade package for a veteran, proven player could be an option. However, if they look to blow it up and become sellers, Jakucionis could earn a bump in playing time. 

The Heat have been known to find diamonds in the rough through the draft and free agency and turn them into valuable contributors. Initially, look for the rookie to see 8-10 minutes of action with 4-6 points, and 2-3 assists as he learns the NBA game.