Kasparas Jakucionis: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

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After Keaton Wagler’s performance in Illinois' milestone victory at Purdue, a spotlight has (rightfully) been shone on the freshman phenom now that he and his Illini have piled up nine straight wins to run their record to 17-3 overall and 8-1 in Big Ten play heading into Thursday's matchup with Washington (8 p.m.

NBA News / Hoops Wire / December 22

NBA Notes: Clippers, Ivica Zubac, Heat, Kasparas Jakucionis, Spurs

Clippers center Ivica Zubac will be sidelined at least three weeks with a Grade 2 left ankle sprain, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes. Zubac exited Saturday’s win over the Lakers early, and the timing isn’t ideal.

Miami Heat News / Miami Heat on SI / December 20

How injuries forced Erik Spoelstra's hand into playing rookie guard

The Miami Heat took a loss to the Celtics in their trip to Boston, but the loss highlighted the Miami Heat's potential future as rookie Kasparas Jakucionis got his first start.

James Harden News / Yardbarker Quizzes

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How many of the 37 players in NBA history to average at least 25 points-per-game in at least five seasons can you name in six minutes?

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Miami Heat News / Miami Heat on SI / December 19

Heat fall to Celtics as Kasparas Jakucionis makes starting debut

On the second night of a back to back, it was a skeleton crew for the Miami Heat with ten available players, while two of those ten being on two-way contracts.

NBA News / Yardbarker

20 NBA superstars who carried awful teams the farthest

Good players tend to succeed in the NBA. Sometimes, though, they find themselves in terrible situations but still find ways to over-achieve. These are the 20 players who carried the worst NBA teams.

NBA News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / November 29

Former Illini in NBA: Latest on Kasparas Jakucionis, Terrence Shannon Jr., Others

Illinois has produced a handful of NBA-caliber players over the past few years – two of which are already well-established rotation players in the Chicago

Miami Heat News / Miami Heat on SI / November 28

More help on the way for the Miami Heat?

As if the Miami Heat offense needs any more octane. The team is in the top five in scoring and pace since the start of its stunning 2025-26 season, and

Miami Heat News / NBA on ClutchPoints / November 19

Heat first-round pick’s true thoughts on being sent down to G League

As the Miami Heat’s unique rookie Kasparas Jakucionis was selected with the team’s first-round pick in the last NBA Draft, his first year will be one focused on development.

NBA News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / October 17

Why the NBA 'Steal' Status of Kasparas Jakucionis Matters for Illinois

Ahead of every NBA season, the league's general managers are polled on a series of questions that asks things like "Which team will be most improved in

NBA News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / October 15

Former Illini in the NBA: Updates on Kasparas Jakucionis, Ayo Dosunmu, More

The 2025-26 Illinois men's basketball season is almost upon us, and while it's a signal for Illini fans to start catching up with their favorite ballers on campus and the latest newcomers in Champaign, it's also a time to check in on alums carrying the torch for the program at hoops' highest level.

Miami Heat News / Miami Heat on SI / October 12

Three takeaways from Heat against Magic: Ware popping, Jakucionis injured, more

With the Miami Heat prepping for a preseason back to back on Sunday and Monday night, they gave some of the regulars, Bam Adebayo, Norman Powell, and Andrew Wiggins, a rest on Sunday late afternoon.

Miami Heat News / Miami Heat on SI / October 11

Pump the brakes on Miami Heat rookie?

Everyone wants to see the new guy. So it's understandable that Miami Heat fans are hyped about the preseason debut of Kasparas Jakucionis, which included 10 assists, many of the highlight variety -- which helped catalyze a tremendous bounceback performance from second-year man Kel'el Ware.

Miami Heat News / NBA Draft on SI / October 9

Kasparas Jakucionis Impresses in Heat Debut vs. Spurs

Months before the 2025 NBA Draft, Kasparas Jakucionis was highly regarded as a prospect, with many media outlets projecting him to fall in the lottery.

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Miami Heat News / NBA Draft on SI / October 8

Heat Rookie Shows Passing Skill in Preseason Debut

The Heat played in their third preseason game Wednesday night, but it was the first for rookie Kasparas Jakucionis, who made his debut with the primary squad.

Miami Heat News / Miami Heat on SI / September 30

Exclusive: Kasparas Jakucionis 1-on-1 Following First Day of Training Camp

It didn't take long for Kasparas Jakucionis to get the "rookie card" pulled on him by some Miami Heat veterans. Newcomer Norman Powell didn't waste any time, as he had seniority to jump in on media day for a couple of photos.

Miami Heat News / Yardbarker / September 20

Heat rookie could be thrown into starting role after injury blow

Heat rookie could be thrown into starting role following Tyler Herro blow

Fortunately for Miami, Spoelstra has an excellent track record of developing talent and putting them in positions to succeed.

All-Star's injury may force Heat into much-needed reset

Tyler Herro shares profane message on Instagram after undergoing surgery

Notable update emerges on Terry Rozier’s future

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Miami Heat News / Miami Heat on SI / August 20

Miami Heat's Kasparas Jakucionis Holds Nothing Back On Rookie Expectations

Kasparas Jakucionis certainly said exactly what Udonis Haslem wanted to hear. The 19-year-old Miami Heat first round pick, while recording an episode of "The OGs Show" with Haslem (and fellow former Heat champion Mike Miller) back in July in Las Vegas, was asked what he wanted for his first NBA season.

Miami Heat News / The SportsRush / August 20

'Everything Matters' in Heat Culture, Says Kasparas Jakucionis

The Miami Heat has one of the richest team cultures in NBA history. Ask Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O’Neal, or any other great that has donned the Heat uniform, and they’ll all tell you one thing: it’s a culture of winners.

NBA News / The SportsRush / August 20

'Watched Him a Lot': Kasparas Jakucionis Opens Up on Following Luka Doncic’s Basketball Journey

The Miami Heat are very much looking forward to the 2025-2026 NBA season. The franchise is looking to build off its first-round playoff exit from this past year and instead build back up to the dynasty it once was.

Miami Heat News / NBA Draft on SI / August 5

Heat Rookie Gives Team Flexibility on Trade Market

In making the 2024-25 NBA Playoffs, the Miami Heat hurt their draft standing, moving from the late-lottery to No. 20. At the 2025 NBA Draft, though, the team might’ve nabbed the player they had their eye on with a potential late-lottery pick, nabbing Illinois’ guard Kasparas Jakucionis.

Miami Heat News / Miami Heat on SI / July 26

Miami Heat's Kasparas Jakucionis Poised For Explosive Bench Role

The Miami Heat's recent first-round draft selection has been exciting fans over the past month. While guard Kasparas Jakucionis did not have the strongest Summer League performance, there is still reason to be excited about his outlook this season.

Miami Heat News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / July 25

Anonymous Miami Heat Exec on Kasparas Jakucionis' NBA Summer Progress

If you've ever paid even the slightest bit of attention to basketball and also have a pair of eyes, there is no characterization of the whole of Kasparas

Miami Heat News / NBA on ClutchPoints / July 20

The ‘biggest takeaway’ from Kasparas Jakucionis’ up-and-down Heat Summer League

With Heat rookie Kasparas Jakucionis wrapping up his first Summer League, it was no doubt a frustrating start for the 20th overall pick in the last NBA Draft.

Miami Heat News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / July 18

Kasparas Jakucionis Takes on Lead Role for Miami Heat in NBA Summer League

With the Miami Heat sitting Pelle Larson and Kel’el Ware on Thursday night, former Illini Kasparas Jakucionis immediately became the focal point of the Heat’s offense in the NBA Summer League outing against the Detroit Pistons.

Miami Heat News / Yardbarker / July 17

Heat rookie drawing inspiration from LeBron James

Kasparas Jakucionis is the Miami Heat's latest draft prospect and the guard recently discussed his admiration of LeBron James.

Terry Rozier betting scandal takes another twist

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Miami Heat News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / July 15

Did the Miami Heat Bench former Illini Kasparas Jakucionis in NBA Summer League?

Under normal circumstances, when a player is listed by his squad as “active” but never steps on the floor, that would be considered a DNP (Did Not Play).

Miami Heat News / Athlon Sports / July 9

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

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.

Miami Heat News / Hardwood Heroics / July 8

'You Let It Go, Trust Yourself' – Miami Heat Rookie Receives Eye-Opening Advice From Kel’el Ware Amid Rough Summer League

Kasparas Jakucionis is struggling in the ongoing NBA Summer League. Through his first two games, the Miami Heat rookie has only compiled seven points, made only one field goal out of 10 attempts, and missed all seven three-point attempts.