Kasparas Jakucionis' rookie year began with inconsistency and doubt. But after a February surge featuring historic shooting and clear defensive growth, the 19-year-old has flipped the narrative – and may already be one of the biggest steals of the 2025 NBA Draft.
When the Miami Heat used the No. 20 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft on Kasparas Jakucionis, optimism rippled through the Heat fanbase.
The 19-year-old Lithuanian, possessing a high basketball IQ, appeared tailor-made for Miami's development culture. But through much of his rookie season, that optimism felt premature.
In Summer League, Jakucionis struggled to find his rhythm, shooting just 21 percent from three-point range. A groin injury in the preseason limited both his conditioning and opportunities to integrate into the lineup.
Once the regular season began, his minutes were inconsistent, and his role was limited.
For long stretches, the Heat appeared to have drafted a long-term project: a player with tantalizing upside who was nonetheless unready to contribute meaningfully in year one.
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Jakucionis February Breakout That Changed Everything
Then came February.
Within a matter of days, Jakucionis flipped perceptions.
On February 8 against the Washington Wizards, he erupted for 22 points, drilling every one of his six three-point attempts and showing poise that belied his age.
The very next night against the Utah Jazz, he followed it up with 20 points, knocking down six of ten from long range. Those performances weren't just glimpses of potential – they were impactful, efficient offense on real minutes.
That stretch also produced a noteworthy franchise milestone, as Jakucionis tied the Heat's record of nine consecutive made three-pointers – a mark previously held only by veterans Chris Bosh and Goran Dragic.
For a rookie drafted outside the lottery, that's not merely impressive – it's historic.
Suddenly, Jakucionis is not just a shooter.
He's one of 16 rookies this season with multiple 20-point games, and his 46.8 percent three-point accuracy leads all rookies who have attempted at least 50 three-pointers.
That's elite spacing from a player who, until recently, was fighting just to stay in the rotation.
Furthermore, he has become the youngest player in NBA history to record consecutive games with at least 20 points and five three-pointers.
More Than a Shooter: Jakucionis Growth on Both Ends
But what makes this turn even more compelling is what's happened on the other end of the floor.
Early in the season, Jakucionis exhibited typical rookie tendencies, appearing passive and tentative on defense while struggling to navigate screens, which ultimately limited his playing time during crucial moments.
Over the past several weeks, however, something has shifted. He's been noticeably more engaged defensively, showing improved footwork, better anticipation, and a willingness to stick with his assignment.
He isn't a lockdown defender – no rookie suddenly becomes one – but he no longer feels like a liability. In Miami's system under Erik Spoelstra, this is a major development.
In a draft class with high-profile names and loaded stat sheets, he is carving out a unique identity: elite per-minute shooting, confidence inside a pro system, and rapid defensive progress.
While his production may seem modest compared to flashier first-round picks when looking at raw scoring averages, the impact is undeniable.
When you account for efficiency, impact per possession, and role context, the narrative shifts.
Miami doesn't need him to average 18 points a night. Instead, the Heat value his spacing, catch-and-shoot reliability, disciplined decision-making, and effort on both ends of the floor.
In recent weeks, Jakucionis has delivered all of that. His shot selection is disciplined. His three-point threat forces defenses to guard him closely, opening driving lanes for playmakers.
His improved defensive focus has earned him more minutes, not just because of a hot streak, but because he's proving he can survive and contribute in meaningful minutes.
Of course, caution is still warranted. This breakout covers a short window, and rookies can experience regression. High volume and elite percentages rarely coexist long-term.
Yet what separates Jakucionis is that he's not just a one-dimensional marksman: he reads the floor, plays within himself, and contributes in ways that fit Miami's identity.
So, is Jakucionis the steal of the draft?
It's still early to hand out that title definitively, but the conversation has shifted from hopeful projection to sober acknowledgement.
A 19-year-old drafted 20th overall is now shooting nearly 47 percent from three, putting up multiple 20-point games, tying franchise shooting records, and showing real defensive improvement in a demanding system.
For a late first-round pick, this represents significant, immediate impact.
If he continues along this trajectory, Miami won't just have found value at No. 20.
They may have unearthed one of the most efficient young shooters in the league and a foundational rotation piece for years to come. And that – in a draft class full of headline names – is what you call a steal.
Nojus Stankevičius
Nojus Stankevičius began his basketball writing journey in 2023, when he started studying Journalism at Vilnius University. In 2024, he participated in the BasketNews Academy. Then, a year later, in 2025, he officially joined BasketNews as a Daily Writer, marking the beginning of his professional career in sports journalism.
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