Heat’s Adam Simon Shares Encouraging Message on Kasparas Jakucionis

On Wednesday, June 25, the Miami Heat drafted Kasparas Jakucionis. The 6-foot-6 guard slipped outside of the lottery due to concerns regarding his playmaking.

As such, Miami finally has a long-term solution to its problematic point guard position. Jakucionis is arguably the best passer and playmaker in the 2025 NBA Draft. Furthermore, he’s got significant upside as a scorer, play finisher and overall offensive hub.

During a recent news conference, Vice President and Assistant General Manager Adam Simon shared his thoughts on the Heat’s latest rookie.

“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.”

Jakucionis played in 33 games for Illinois during his maiden collegiate season. He averaged 15 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists per night, shooting 44% from the field. However, his 3.7 turnovers per game will be something Erik Spoelstra and the coaching staff will need to fix.

Bill Simmons Upset Heat Landed Jakucionis

In a recent episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” Bill Simmons shared his frustrations that Jakucionis fell to the Heat with the 20th pick.

“He fills the box score,” Simmons said. “He’s just gonna be good. It really is annoying to me. Then they’ll sign Kuminga and guess what? He’ll be good for them too. Then all sudden we’ll be like ‘We’re back with the Heat? I thought we killed them. We thought they were dead.’”

Jakucionis has all the tools to be a high-level starting guard at the NBA level. The fact he fits a significant area of need for the Heat is also beneficial for the franchise. Nevertheless, it would appear Simmons would have preferred Jakucionis to land elsewhere in the NBA.

Jakucionis Excited to Play With Heat Duo

When speaking to the media after being drafted, Jakucionis shared his excitement at the opportunity to play with Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.

“The playmaking ability is what I do,” Jakucionis said. “I’m just grateful to play with guys like Bam Adebayo. We can play together in pick-and-rolls. And Tyler Herro and all those kinds of players. I’m just very happy and grateful to be in this place…I’m so excited. I’m just grateful for this moment to be in this place with this opportunity to get my name called. It’s special for me. That was what I was working for all my life since I was little, and that was my dream. But now this is just the beginning, and everything starts from new.”

Jakucionis may find himself immediately thrust into Spoelstra’s starting lineup. Terry Rozier lost his position as the lead guard toward the end of the season. He may be traded during the summer. So, Jakucionis could be forced to learn on the job. However, he can rest assured that he’s in some of the safest hands the NBA has to offer. After all, Spoelstra has proven himself to be elite when developing talent.