Basketball
Why Kasparas Jakucionis will be a star with the Miami Heat
The former Illini fell on draft night but into the perfect scenario.
Kasparas Jakucionis was selected 20th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat. The former Illini did slip on draft night as many had projected him as a no-doubt lottery pick. It was certainly surprising for Jakucionis, who had players such as Jeremiah Fears, Egor Demin, and Walter Clayton Jr. picked ahead of him. This was surprising for the former Illinois basketball point guard, as he averaged a solid 15.0 ppg as a true freshman. Regardless, Kasparas Jakucionis will now start his career with one of the most stable, competent NBA franchises, the Miami Heat. The Heat are classically known for their “Heat Culture” and development under head coach Erik Spoelstra. On top of going to a great developmental franchise, Jakucionis joins a team that needs his particular skill set.
The Miami Heat situation
Kasparas Jakucionis is landing in a great scenario. Right now, the Miami Heat have planned to build around All-Stars Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. However, they lack ball-handling and playmaking outside of those two players. They brought in veteran Terry Rozier a season and a half ago; however, he has struggled with injury and inconsistency. Jakucionis will benefit from playing alongside an elite scorer and shooter in Herro and an elite rim-rolling big man in Adebayo. Many times this year, Kasparas struggled with his decision-making as he had to carry a heavier offensive load, particularly when Tomislav Ivisic was sidelined.
If Jakucionis can simply be the pass-first guard that he is, he will shine. As history has shown, the Miami Heat will put their players in the best position to succeed. They have always gotten the most out of their young players and have always found a good system based on their players’ strengths. Give Kasparas Jakucionis a few years, and he will be a star in his role.
