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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 15: Kasparas Jakucionis #25 of the Miami Heat poses for a portrait during the 2025 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at UNLV on July 15, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Miami Heat boast a 4-3 record to start the season despite being without Tyler Herro. He was last year’s leading scorer on the team, but in his absence, the Heat have enjoyed excellent play from Bam Adebayo and Norman Powell, when he’s healthy.
Miami runs the fastest offense in the NBA and boasts one of the better team defenses. They’ve found success this season without a proven point guard, although Davion Mitchell is having the best season of his short career.
Herro isn’t the only player the Heat have missed. Terry Rozier is under investigation by the FBI, and rookie Kasparas Jakucionis hasn’t made his debut as he battles a groin injury.
Before the Heat continue their road trip against the Denver Nuggets, they got an update on the rookie.
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 11: Kasparas Jakucionis #25 of the Miami Heat dribbles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks in the first half of a 2025 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 11, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
Miami Heat Get Kasparas Jakucionis Injury Update
Drafted 20th overall by the Heat in 2025, Jakucionis projects to be a physical, disciplined, pass-first guard. By all accounts, he is exactly the type of player who has thrived in Miami before.
He is yet to make his regular-season debut for the Heat and missed much of the preseason with his groin injury. Miami is 1-2 on their current road trip, and will look to get a win back in Denver.
Jakucionis might slot into the lineup, as he has been upgraded from “out” to “questionable, according to the Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang.
Even if Jakucionis is healthy and makes his debut, Mitchell is expected to remain the starter, at least for now. His 7.7 assists per game and solid 1.4 turnovers make him a safe option, even if Jakucionis doesn’t have a minutes restriction.
With the Heat’s injuries to start the season and a tough schedule to open the year, Miami is expected to get even better as the year goes on, giving them very real playoff hopes in a weaker Eastern Conference.
Kasparas Jakucionis Is a Solid PG Prospect
Jakucionis averaged 15 points and 4.7 assists in his lone college season at Illinois. He was turnover-prone and had a shaky 3-point shot, although those are usual concerns for young point guards.
In the Summer League, his shooting remained below-average and his scoring took a dip, but there weren’t any major concerns.
He is a high-level passer who should be able to thrive next to shooters like Adebayo, Herro, and Andrew Wiggins. He can use his oversized frame to get to the rim, and even though he doesn’t boast eye-popping athleticism, he can overpower smaller defenders.
The Heat tout themselves as the “hardest working, best conditioned, most professional, unselfish, toughest, meanest, nastiest team in the NBA,” so adding a physical point guard with passing chops fits their M.O.
While it might take some time for him to get his NBA legs under him, expect Jakucionis to impact winning down the stretch.
Jonah Kubicek Jonah Kubicek has been covering the NBA since 2021 and has served as a writer, editor, and social media manager. When he’s not catching a game, he can be found cooking, reading, or meticulously planning his garden. More about Jonah Kubicek
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