Rival NBA teams are reportedly stunned by the Miami Heat‘s selection of Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis at No. 20 in the 2025 NBA Draft, viewing it as a significant steal.

According to a tweet shared by NBA contributor Evan Sidery, a scout stated, “Spoelstra got Dragic 2.0,” drawing a comparison to former Heat guard Goran Dragic.

This sentiment underscores the belief that Jakucionis, with his unique skill set and remarkable feel for the game, was undervalued in the draft process.

The 6’6”, 205-pound guard, known for his exceptional passing, vision, and pick-and-roll effectiveness, was considered a lottery talent, making his slide to No. 20 a surprise to many.

Jakucionis’ college career with the Illinois Fighting Illini was marked by impressive statistics, averaging 15.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, earning him Big Ten All-Freshman honors.

His ability to fill the stat sheet and his potential fit within the Heat’s renowned player development system have fueled optimism.

Despite concerns about his shooting, defense, and turnovers, the Heat’s culture and coaching under Erik Spoelstra are seen as ideal for unlocking his ceiling.

The reaction from rival teams highlights the perceived value of Jakucionis, with many believing the Heat secured a future star at a bargain.

As the Heat continue to rebuild after trading Jimmy Butler, Jakucionis’ addition is viewed as a strategic move that could pay dividends.

This draft pick, combined with the team’s history of developing talent, positions Miami as a team to watch, potentially signaling a new era of success in South Beach.