Why Erik Spoelstra believes Kasparas Jakucionis has 'earned' larger role

Kasparas Jakucionis Erik Spoelstra Miami Heat — Erik Spoelstra expressed confidence in Miami Heat rookie Kasparas Jakucionis this week. (Mandatory Credit: Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

While the Miami Heat are a middling 8-8 over their last 16 games, one of the brighter spots on the team has been rookie Kasparas Jakucionis.

After having played just 54 combined seconds over the team’s 26 games, the rookie point guard has slowly but steadily earned a larger role. He was thrust into the starting lineup due to injuries on Dec. 19, and again in the Heat’s most recent game, a 122-120 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

While Jakucionis’ numbers don’t pop off the page, his impact on both ends of the floor has. And it’s caught the eye of head coach Erik Spoelstra.

“He’s certainly ready from all the hard work he’s done behind the scenes and the [Sioux Falls Skyforce] games,” he said at shootaround of their game against Golden State. “The times he’s been given an opportunity, he’s played well, so that makes us all think, because we trust him now in those minutes, that he’s earning more. That’ll start even on this road trip. As we’re healthier, he’s earned more minutes for sure.”

Coach Spo says Kasparas Jakucionis has earned more minutes 🚨

“He’s certainly ready from all the hard work he’s done behind the scenes and the Sioux Falls games. The times he’s been given an opportunity he’s played well so that makes us all think we trust him now. He’s earning… https://t.co/bXpFhpdBj5 pic.twitter.com/bmeaxbO6MM
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) January 19, 2026

Jakucionis is averaging 4.2 points, 1.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists on 45.7 percent shooting from 3-point range. Once again, his numbers may not jump off the page. But the rookie’s playmaking, defense and spot-up shooting have all stood out over his last 15 games.

There are still strides that Jakucionis must make in terms of his ballhandling, decision-making, finishing and ability to create separation. He’s far from an elite athlete. But he does the little things and has really stepped into a role where he’s one of the Heat’s better perimeter defenders.

The 6-foot-5 rookie is only going to get better. He may not score 17 points every game, as he did against Boston in his first career start. But Jakucionis is going to play hard, be in the right spots and excel in his role.