2025 NBA Draft Scouting Report for Miami Heat No. 20 Pick Kasparas Jakucionis
The Miami Heat have selected Kasparas Jakucionis with the No. 20 pick in the 2025 NBA draft.
At Illinois, Jakucionis earned trust from day one. He set the program’s freshman record for assists in a season opener, dishing out seven to go with 11 points and five rebounds against Eastern Illinois.
Jakucionis went on to lead his team in scoring (15.0) and assists (4.7), and he ranked third in rebounds (5.7).
By the end of the 2024-25 season, Jakucionis had tied the Illinois freshman record for total points (494), and he set the mark for free-throw percentage (.845).
On top of all that, Jakucionis made third-team All-Big Ten and earned All-Freshman honors.
While Jakucionis was one of the steadiest freshman guards in college basketball, his NBA combine numbers added another layer of intrigue.
Measuring 6'4¾" barefoot with a 6'7¾" wingspan—not to mention an 8'4" standing reach and a 205-pound frame—he was up at least an inch and five pounds from a year ago.
Of course, there are still questions. Jakucionis struggled to create separation at the college level, and he had a high turnover rate, which makes you believe there could be a learning curve against quicker, stronger NBA defenses.
Overall, Jakucionis may not have the burst or flash of some peers, but the foundation is strong.
With his size, feel and maturity, he projects as a long-term contributor who can run an offense, adapt to different roles and earn trust at the next level.
Jakucionis ranks No. 14 on B/R NBA draft expert Jonathan Wasserman's 2025 Prospect Big Board.
Essential Facts and Stats
College: Illinois | Position: PG/SG | Height: 6'5" | Weight: 205 lbs | Age: 19 | Vertical: 35" | Wingspan: 6′7¾″ | PPG: 15 | RPG: 5.7 | APG: 4.7 | BPG: 0.3 | SPG: 0.9 | FG%: 44.0 | 3PT%: 31.8
Realistic Pro Comparison: Spencer Dinwiddie
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Like Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie, Jakucionis projects as a guard who can run point or slide off the ball at the 2 spot.
Both possess similar size and operate with three-level skills over advantageous athletic traits.
Their versatility is a plus, though neither is elite in any one area, limiting their star ceilings.
Strengths
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Shotmaking Variety: Jakucionis has a high shotmaking skill level. He's able to convert jumpers in a number of different ways and from different spots, both on and off the ball.
Playmaking: Jakucionis plays at his own pace and shows a natural playmaking feel using his dribble and passing reads. His team will see versatility and a lead guard who can run the offense.
Finishing Craft: The guard was a very efficient below-the-rim finisher, showing the ability to make adjustments and convert at difficult angles.
Weaknesses
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Separating: Jakucionis doesn't create a lot of separation for himself. He lacks explosion and burst, forcing him to make a lot of contested shots.
Defense: He doesn't have great physical tools and speed for defending each guard position. If he can surprise by improving here, it will increase his early reps and potentially his overall ceiling.
Turnovers: Jakucionis had a sky-high turnover rate. He struggled under pressure or when forced to make plays in congested areas.
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