The Miami Heat were overwhelmed with praise after selecting Kasparas Jakucionis with the No. 20 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. It was by far considered one of the better selections on draft night. However, if the first few games of the NBA's Summer League are any indication, the Heat's worst nightmare could already be setting in for Miami.
It's not just that Jakucionis doesn't look ready to contribute to an NBA team right now; with the way he's looked thus far, there's not even a guarantee he's going to get to that point ever.
In three Summer League games, it would be an understatement to say that Jakucionis has struggled. He's been extremely underwhelming and a near disaster, especially considering the hype he arrived with when the Heat selected him. So far, he's had more turnovers than field goals made in every game.
Through his three games combined, Jakucionis has amassed a combined 12 points, six rebounds, six assists, and 12 turnovers on 1-15 shooting from the field. He's looked somewhat servicable on the defensive end of the floor with some impressive effort, but he's completely lost on the offensive end of the floor, with and without the ball in his hands.
The rest of the Summer League will be huge for Jakucionis
Even though it's not completely unexpected for a rookie to struggle, the Heat have to be completely disappointed with what they've seen from Jakucionis. Through three games, it's been rough for Jakucionis, and his performance may have completely altered the team's expectations for him heading into his rookie season. But, at the same time, it would be foolish to label him a bust already.
That's where the remainder of the Heat's NBA Summer League schedule could loom large. Jakucionis' entire career won't be encapsulated by what happens in the Summer League over the next week and a half, but there's no question he could go a long way in rebuilding or breaking down his confidence during that span.
The last thing the Heat needs heading into training camp is a rookie whose confidence is completely broken. I'm sure the Heat's coaching staff is telling Jakucionis all the right things - how this is a process, and struggles are going to come. However, there's almost so much that can be accomplished through words of affirmation.
Sooner or later, Jakucionis is going to have to see some results on the floor in order to help propel him into the official start of his rookie season. A breakthrough game for Jakucionis will do wonders for him heading into the rest of the offseason. And the good news is that he's looked slightly more comfortable with every passing game.
All that said, at least for now, it does seem as if a nightmarish scenario could be playing out for the Heat with Jakucionis.