The Miami Heat would need to make drastic changes to make further room for Kasparas Jakucionis in the rotation.
The Miami Heat's three-game mini road trip is currently evenly balanced. It started with a victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, Dec. 18th, with a final score of 106-95. The following night, the team suffered a difficult loss to the Boston Celtics, with a final score of 129-116. After three competitive quarters, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White were in takeover mode throughout the second half.
However, in that game, one of the biggest positives was Kasparas Jakucionis. He finished with 17 points, including five three-pointers made, six rebounds, and four assists in 36 minutes. There was no denying the Lithuanian's talent; it was about making the most of the opportunity once it presented itself.
"I really like what he's done in the last two games," Erik Spoelstra said after the Celtics game. "He gives us the energy, the pace, he's fearless in terms of his playmaking, aggressiveness, getting in the paint, he's really improved his three-point shooting. That was definitely a bright spot."
The 20th pick wasn't physically ready at the start of the regular season due to a combination of wrist and right groin injuries. However, once he was cleared, it would still be a challenge to climb the depth chart with veterans Davion Mitchell and Dru Smith in front of him. Both have strong familiarity with Spoesltra's system and the rest of the roster, for the most part.
After being cleared, Jakucionis was sent to the G-League for real basketball practice and to get into game rhythm. In eight games, he averaged 16.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 2.5 steals while shooting 42 percent from the field, 32.6 percent from three-point range.
However, given the recent injuries, especially with All-Star guard Tyler Herro reaggravating a right great toe contusion, there have been more opportunities for the 19-year-old.
There's no denying the organization's desire to include him in future plans. However, to further his development, changes to the roster are necessary. As currently constructed, Jakucionis is unlikely to surpass Mitchell, Smith, Herro, and Norman Powell in the backcourt. They're all massive contributors in their own way.
As the Heat are part of the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors, it would certainly require a package surrounding Herro to secure a potential deal. That departure would make room for Jakucionis to crack the rotation further.
There's a bright future for the rookie guard, but consistent and serious playing time for him this season will remain uncertain on a nightly basis.
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