Kasparas Jakucionis endured a tough introduction to the Miami Heat fanbase during the California Classic. The recently drafted playmaker fell flat during the three-game tournament.
Jakucionis averaged 4 points on a total of 1-of-15 shooting during the tournament. He also went 0-of-11 from deep. Even more concerning, the turnover issues that saw him tumble in the NBA Draft quickly appeared, with him turning the rock over a total of 12 times over three games.
When speaking with Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, Jakucionis gave an honest assessment of his performances during his first taste of professional-level basketball.
“I think I need to settle in more, play at my own pace, don’t get sped up much as I was in these 3 games,” Jakucionis said. “I didn’t feel myself in those games, but I think that’s normal. It’s a process, so I’m just happy to be here, be able learn from coaches, from other guys by working out, watching film and understanding the game.”
Jakucionis continued.
“I think I’m just not in a rhythm. I’m just trying to get back in a rhythm after all the process I had. So I’m just trying to get back to myself and just trying to execute as hard as I can. When I go to the court, I just give 100%. Even if I don’t do the best on offense, I try to give 100% on defense and just try to help the team to win.”
Jakucionis will now have another opportunity to impress his new team. Miami will now participate in the Las Vegas Summer League, with their first game scheduled for Friday, July 10 at 4:30 PM ET, where they will face the Atlanta Hawks.
Jakucionis Excited to Play With Heat Stars
When speaking to the media after being drafted, Jakucionis shared his excitement at the opportunity to play with Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
“The playmaking ability is what I do,” Jakucionis said. “I’m just grateful to play with guys like Bam Adebayo. We can play together in pick-and-rolls. And Tyler Herro and all those kinds of players. I’m just very happy and grateful to be in this place…I’m so excited. I’m just grateful for this moment to be in this place with this opportunity to get my name called. It’s special for me. That was what I was working for all my life since I was little, and that was my dream. But now this is just the beginning, and everything starts from new.”
However, if the rookie wants to share the floor with Miami’s two best players, he must quickly show some improvements. Summer League is never a good test of how a player will fare in the NBA. However, it can create some preconceived notions among the fan base. Jakucionis will undoubtedly want those first impressions to be positive ones.
Heat Excited to Have Jakucionis
During a recent news conference, Vice President and Assistant General Manager Adam Simon gave some insight on the front office’s thinking regarding the Heat’s latest rookie.
“We see tremendous potential with Kas,” Simon said. “You’re talking about a 6-5 [guard] with a plus-three [pointer], good athlete, but with a high IQ. So if you combine all those things with a work ethic, there’s no reason why you can’t mold him into a very good NBA player. I think that’s why we were attracted to take him tonight…We didn’t think he would be there. We had him higher, obviously, than where we picked him.”
Jakucionis will now have another opportunity to showcase his undoubtedly potential and skill. If he struggles in Vegas, he could find himself having a lot to prove once the NBA season gets underway later this year.
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