Even though they increased their win total by six games, there weren’t many positives to take away from the Miami Heat’s 2025-26 season, which ended this week.
Though one of them was how well rookie guard Kasparas Jakucionis burst on the scene. The No. 20 overall pick didn’t pick up gaudy numbers, nor did he have a lot of usage, but his impact was always felt, where his role increased as the season went on.
He didn’t just catch the eye of head coach Erik Spoelstra — he caught the eye of everyone.
“[Kasparas Jakucionis] surprised all of us,” Spoelstra said. “He’s very mature for his years. He’s a diligent worker and he’s the nicest guy off the court and he’s an animal on the court. He’s not trying to make any friends in this league — that’s where he’s [Goran Dragic]-esque. The contrast of on the court, between the lines, and his personality off the court. I love that about him, and he’ll have a great summer.
“Loved seeing him get minutes down the stretch. He’s really improved and he’s a Heat guy. He has that kind of DNA in his blood as a competitor.”
As a rookie, Jakucionis averaged 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists across 17.8 minutes per game. He appeared in 53 contests, including 12 starts.
Where the 6-foot-5 guard blossomed most was beyond the arc. Playing in an off-ball role, a steady diet of Jakucionis’ shot attempts were from beyond the arc. Defenses routinely played off of him — and the 19-year-old made them pay. Jakucionis shot 42.3 percent from deep, including 48.1 percent on spot-up attempts.
Similar to his lead role at Illinois, Jakucionis showcased plenty of playmaking chops. His feel for the game continued to improve throughout the season, though he’ll need to improve his finishing around the rim and his ballhandling.
The future is bright for the Lithuanian guard, especially if he’s able to refine those two areas in the Heat’s scheme offensively.
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13 2 suns.great start.game 7s home crowd is big
orl tank worked vukevich gordon kcp all gone paulo franz bane carter.bitaze .just dont have the beef to compete with them
Game basically over. Heat could’ve made it a close game…or just the same. We would never know.
Well, it’s a little of the universe arcing toward justice with Charlotte getting embarrassed tonite. I haven’t talked about it, but I agree that Ball got away with murder against us. I’m glad that team is going home because they are unworthy.
his rep has been ruined.that was so dirty and he did that to bam before,glad they lost and got embarassed..
What happened to Kneuppel? Rookie jitters on big games.
hes no cooper flagg.
orlando needs to change name to orlando giants
This season…Heat = Hornets
Next season they could really overtake Miami if no changes happen
think we were better.orl better than us.there will be changes but will they make us better .
orlando gotta be the biggest team in nba but top 15 eric loves his small players
Wow, that first half was something of a complete meltdown by Charlotte. Can’t say I feel sorry for them. I hope it continues.
68 33 orlando yikes we suk
So far, the Karmic forces of restitution appear to be in force here. And they are particularly impacting on Ball, who is scoreless and on the bench with three personals halfway thru the second. Long way to go but the Hornets are in a 26 point hole.
Might be part of Giannis package, but yeah improved much
Should be Miami vs ORL in this game tonight. CHA making ORL look like the Knicks
And make it 0-6 vs the Magic?! 😳🙄
ORL is not that good. Their halfcourt offense is have Paolo drive and hope for FTs. They’re a below avg shooting team and need hot 3PT shooting to win games. They shot 39% from 3 vs Heat, 5% above their season avg
They were +27 in those 5 games, think the Heat had a good chance to win this one.
orl not that good really then what are we .franz wagner back they are a formidable team could use some outside shooting
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recency_bias
your posts make no sense i honestly dont understand them to be honest sir.can u talk english
ORL has been one of the most disappointing teams in the league this year, their HC has been on the hot seat for months
They scored only 97 points in a loss to PHI last game. But to you they are a formidable team because they had 68 at the half tonight, the definition of recency bias
ORL this year is the #5 defensive rebounding team in the league, Miami is #8. Only 0.3% separates the two, but to you there is a huge difference because Erik Spoelstra only plays “small ball”
Charlotte is actually the best of the three at rebounding, #3. But to you ORL is the best, because they fit your preconceived ideas about height, race and athleticism that actually have nothing to do with basketball
Tyler
needs to be traded ill finish the tyler sentence
The Heat had a chance, not sure it was a good chance. You’re right about the Magic’s offense, their scoring options are limited. But, Orlando’s strength is being a very physical team, and playing very good defense. And, I believe that’s why they went 5-0 against us.
It is difficult for me to comprehend why we would be optimistic if we were in this game. 5-0 is what it is. Could we have won a game like this? Yes, the Heat could beat anyone on a given day. But as I’ve stated, what would be the point? The team was not going anywhere in the playoffs anyway.
we played orl 10 times we might win once if we were really hot that night.notice jumping jack jamal cain in rotation .when they take suggs out they play really big no backup pg.there just to big for eric small ball
Agree that ORL physicality and defense is showing up this game. Their defense was elite last year but slipped to #11 this year. Think this game says more about CHA though
In ORL vs MIA 5 games, ORL was +27 and needed to take and make above their averages from 3 to win. +27 is a close scoring margin across 5 games and 0-5 was the social media headline for the year, but the record vs ORL could easily have been 2-3 for example. Regular season record is also often not predictive in playoff matchups.
Tonight at the half ORL was 35% from three, with 5 3PM, shooting well but they were +31 because of Charlotte’s lack of defense. They had 38 PITP at the half tonight, had 44 the entire last game vs Philly
o-forever until size and athleticism is added
Some nice comments about this hard working young player. Like SM, I find him Pelle-ish.
Charlotte appears to be suffering from team wide imposter syndrome.
Decent mid first round choice. He belongs. His three point shot is quite accurate. He has high athleticism, good vision, a nice knack for passing, and plays acceptable defense already. By next year we will start to figure out if he’s a rotation guy or a starter.,
Can tell he’s a winning player because his role this year was completely opposite from college where he was an on ball PnR creator and ran the offense. He took under 5 shots per game this year and 3 3PA per game. He completely bought in to the 3&D role as a rookie. Also won his minutes (+4.1 in 956 minutes)
Would think other teams would definitely be asking the Heat to include him in any trades, and Heat trying to keep him out of a trade
Kas has the potential to be a starting PG, SG or Combo G in the NBA. Worst case scenario, he can be used as an off the bench 3 point sniper.
Despite being only 19, he’s proven to be very mature for his age. He’s also tough and a very hard hard worker, ala Pelle Larsson.
His future is very bright! I hope he isn’t traded as part of some larger package, or it will come back to bite Riley/Miami right square in the a**!!!