US EditionKasparas Jakucionis Selected 20th Overall by the Miami Heat
- On June 25, 2025, the Miami Heat selected Lithuanian guard Kasparas Jakucionis with the 20th overall pick in the NBA Draft held at Barclays Center, Brooklyn.
- Jakucionis fell from a top-10 projection due to a difficult Big Ten season, a decline unexpected by Miami and causing surprise around the league.
- Jakucionis averaged approximately 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game for Illinois last season while earning All-Big Ten honors and setting a freshman scoring record.
- Analysts praised Miami's pick as excellent value, calling Jakucionis a 6-foot-5 creative playmaker who will complement backcourt players Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
- This selection suggests Miami added needed playmaking depth with a skilled guard despite concerns about his shooting and turnovers, potentially strengthening their roster.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Journal Gazette & Times-Courier
Herald & Review4 players with Illinois ties were picked in 1st round of NBA draft. Here’s what to know about them
Four players with Illinois ties began their NBA journeys Wednesday night when they heard their names called during the first round of the NBA draft.
Heat's New Rookie Sends Message on Playing With Herro and Adebayo
Kasparas Jakucionis is the Miami Heat‘s new point guard of the future. The impressive playmaker slipped in the 2025 NBA Draft due to concerns surrounding his 3.4 turnovers per game this past season.When speaking to the media after being selected by Pat Riley, Jakucionis pinpointed the opportunity to play with Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo as the most exciting part about joining the Heat.“The playmaking ability is what I do,” Jakucionis said. “I’m …
Grades on Heat first-rounder Kasparas Jakucionis range from A to D+
The consensus was the surprise that Kasparas Jakucionis was still available when the Miami Heat made the Illinois guard their selection at No. 20 in Wednesday night's first round of the NBA draft.
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- 64% of the sources are Center
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