Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Kasparas Jakucionis reacts after being selected as the 20th pick by the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images

NBA Fans Erupt After NBA Senior Analyst Slams Miami Heat Draft Pick

Originally posted on Miami Heat on SI | By Skylar Nelson | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 8:50 AM ET

The Miami Heat made waves on NBA Draft night by using their lone pick to select Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis at No. 20. Jackucionis, a 6-foot-6, 200-pound guard, averaged 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists and shot 44.8 percent from the field in his freshman season.

Once seen as a potential lottery pick, Jackucionis slid on draft night. But many believed he landed in the perfect spot with the Heat. According to Illinois coach Brad Underwood, Miami’s system of developing talent is set to match seamlessly with Jakucionis’ work ethic. He’s even drawn early comparisons to Austin Reaves and predicted to complement a high-usage scorer like Tyler Herro, with a chance to earn early minutes.

While most media outlets graded Miami’s pick highly, handing out A- to A+ ratings, NBA Senior Analyst Kevin O’Connor gave Miami a harsh D+ on Yahoo Sports. O’Connor cited concerns about Jakucionis’ inconsistency and turnover issues, while also suggesting that Miami had the worst first round pick in the 2025 draft on his podcast, The Kevin O'Connor Show.

O'Connor's comments were fueled towards the discussion of 11 games last season where Jakucionis had more turnovers than made field goals and even attacked Pat Riley's ability to decisions future decisions for the franchise.

All media outlets is saying the Heat got a major steal in this draft

A projected lottery pick going 20 to the Heat

Then there’s Kevin O Conner and his pod go on a 3 minute rant that the Heat were the BIGGEST LOSERS in the draft….

(Via @KevinOConnorNBA) pic.twitter.com/pPIDc1ltXl
— Heat Culture (@HeatCulture13) June 26, 2025

Heat fans quickly took to X (formally Twitter) defending the rookie, slamming O’Connor’s critique and rallying behind Jakucionis’ potential.

Who cares about Kevin Conner
— Tyler Herro Muse ☆ (@danhurleyuconn) June 26, 2025

We don’t care about his opinion. He is a hater and a loser full time job pic.twitter.com/lVUB7LL2Io
— Vanzu Native (@NiajaPrinc3) June 26, 2025

While many fans don’t care about O’Connor’s critiques, one fan hilariously referenced O’Connor’s childhood in relation to his analysis.

Kevin is the little kid that never got picked for any pickup games and now he likes to pretend like he knows ball.
— Junior Laguna (@eljunibro) June 26, 2025

Another fan even went as far as suggesting that O’Connor should be fired for his harsh critique while Jakucionis received high gradings from many others.