Heat Executive Gets Real on Jakucionis’ Draft Day Addition

When the Miami Heat secured Kasparas Jakucionis with the 20th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, there was a feeling that he’d fallen into their laps. For most of the draft cycle, Jakucionis was projected as a late lottery pick.

However, concerns about his decision-making and turnover rate led him to slide down the draft board. During a recent conversation with Keith Smith of Spotrac, a member of the Heat’s front office explained why the franchise is excited about its latest draft pick.

“I’m not going to tell you where he was on our board, but it was a heck of a lot higher than where we picked him!” The anonymous executive told Smith. “The great thing about Kas is that he wasn’t very good in California. And he was mad about that. Here (Las Vegas) he was much better. That’s what will work for him in the NBA. He’s not going to settle for anything other than being great.”

Jakucionis has significant upside to his game. His skill set should allow him to become a legitimate three-level scorer and a fearsome playmaker. Of course, he must tighten up his passes to lower his turnover ratio and needs to learn how to play through contact.

Nevertheless, there’s a lot for the Heat to be excited about with the rookie.

Heat’s Jakucionis Speaks on California Classic

When speaking with Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, Jakucionis gave an honest assessment of his performances during the California Classic.

“I think I need to settle in more, play at my own pace, don’t get sped up much as I was in these 3 games,” Jakucionis said. “I didn’t feel myself in those games, but I think that’s normal. It’s a process, so I’m just happy to be here, be able learn from coaches, from other guys by working out, watching film and understanding the game.”

Jakucionis continued.

“I think I’m just not in a rhythm. I’m just trying to get back in a rhythm after all the process I had. So I’m just trying to get back to myself and just trying to execute as hard as I can. When I go to the court, I just give 100%. Even if I don’t do the best on offense, I try to give 100% on defense and just try to help the team to win.”

Jakucionis averaged 4 points on a total of 1-of-15 shooting during the tournament. He also went 0-of-11 from deep. To make matters worse, he also registered 12 turnovers in three games.

The Heat Are Excited to Have Jakucionis

During a recent news conference, Vice President and Assistant General Manager Adam Simon discussed the addition of Jakucionis.

“We see tremendous potential with Kas,” Simon said. “You’re talking about a 6-5 [guard] with a plus-three [pointer], good athlete, but with a high IQ. So if you combine all those things with a work ethic, there’s no reason why you can’t mold him into a very good NBA player. I think that’s why we were attracted to take him tonight…We didn’t think he would be there. We had him higher, obviously, than where we picked him.”

Miami has a solid track record of talent development under Erik Spoelstra. Jakucionis will get a first-class education on what it takes to thrive in the NBA and consistently improve his game. Whether that eductation comes as part of the starting unit, or with the bench rotation will remain to be seen.

Nevertheless, it’s becoming clear that Miami got a steal on draft night.