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Heat’s First-Round Pick Delivers Words of Encouragement After Dreadful Summer League Start

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joshua Rosenblum | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 1:58 PM ET

The Miami Heat’s first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Kasparas Jakucionis, is showing maturity beyond his years following a challenging start in the Summer League.

The Lithuanian guard opened up about his struggles, admitting, “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. 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.”

His candid reflection, shared on X via @HeatCulture13, highlights a rookie embracing the learning curve rather than succumbing to pressure.

Jakucionis has faced criticism after a slow offensive output, shooting 2-22 across his first three games at the California Classic.

Yet, his focus remains on growth, a trait that aligns with the Heat’s culture of development. The 19-year-old’s willingness to learn from coaches and teammates, coupled with his self-awareness, offers a glimmer of hope to fans divided on his early performance.

While some label him a “bust” and question the draft pick, others see potential in his process-driven mindset. As the Summer League continues, Jakucionis’s positive outlook could be the foundation for a turnaround.

His emphasis on film study and workouts suggests a player committed to refining his game, a quality that could pay dividends in the NBA season ahead. For now, the Heat faithful can take solace in their rookie’s resilience, a promising sign of things to come.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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