Inside The Heat

Kasparas Jakučionis Draws Comparisons To Miami Heat Fan Favorite

Bryan Townes|
Mar 31, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra reacts during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Mar 31, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra reacts during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images | Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

Any notion of the Miami Heat drafting assets for a potential trade faded away as it quickly became a reality, with a lottery pick shockingly falling to the No. 20 pick.

Kasparas Jakučionis was considered a consensus top-14 draft pick among most expert draft boards, with several having him among the top-10. ESPN’s draft analyst Kevin Pelton believed the Heat’s pick to be one of the best matches in the draft because he feels Jakučionis’ ceiling is tied to Heat fan favorite Goran Dragic.

“Kasparas Jakucionis to the Heat at No. 20. Former Miami guard Goran Dragic has been my comparison for Jakucionis if things go right,” Pelton explained. “They're both physical guards with shooting ability. Dragic improved his high turnover rate that limited him as a young player, and Jakucionis will have to do the same. Jakucionis' size at 6-foot-6 will allow him to play alongside either Tyler Herro or Davion Mitchell, presuming the Heat retain Mitchell as a restricted free agent.”

Jakucionis averaged 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists on 44 percent shooting and 31.8 percent from three-point range. The Heat were in desperate need of a talented pass-first playmaker, which contributed to several execution failures throughout the season. Jakucionis should be a perfect fit next to Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware, as he can maximize their offensive production beyond just being lob threats. Herro can also relinquish point guard responsibilities to Jakucionis and Mitchell for the majority of games. 

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Bryan Townes
BRYAN TOWNES

Bryan attended Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia with a focus on sports management. While he didn't grow up an NBA fan, he became one after playing the popular NBA2K video game. From Jimmy Butler to Ray Allen to Chris Bosh, Bryan has followed the Heat for the past several years.

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