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ESPN Analyst Puts Miami Heat's Kasparas Jakucionis Atop This Category
Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Kasparas Jakucionis arrives before the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Miami Heat have received few negative remarks about taking Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis in the first round of the NBA draft. In fact, many experts are raving about the selection. Some have even called it the steal of the draft.

ESPN's Jonathan Givony said the pick was his favorite of the night.

 "Not only did the Heat get the No. 10 player on my big board, they also got a player who fills a roster void and fits their culture and style of play perfectly," Givony said. "Jakucionis (6-foot-6, 205 pounds) has the ballhandling and playmaking ability to offer much-needed shot creation in the backcourt, but he also is big enough to operate off the ball alongside All-Star combo guard Tyler Herro."

Jakucionis was projected as a lottery pick falling to the Heat at No. 20. Givony sees him fitting right in. He gives them another solid shooter and playmaker, which could free things up for center Bam Adebayo and Herro. It could mean the Heat adding another impact player in the first round, joining Jaime Jaquez and Kel-el Ware.

Givony said, "With Davion Mitchell (restricted free agent) coming off a strong playoff showing, the three could certainly play in the same lineup at times, thanks to Jakucionis' size, strength and perimeter shooting prowess -- positional versatility that is ideal for the modern NBA."

MORE MIAMI HEAT NEWS

Miami Heat Legend Dwyane Wade Sounds Off About Kevin Durant Chase

ESPN Ranks Miami Heat Among Biggest Draft Day Winners Through Round 1

Stephen A. Smith Disappointed In Pat Riley For Not Going All In For Kevin Durant


This article first appeared on Miami Heat on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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