Miami Heat's Young Guard Shows Off Physical Transformation

The Miami Heat are set to have a make-or-break offseason with multiple big-name stars being included in trade rumors such as Giannis Antetokounmpo. While many eyes are set on that, there are players currently on the roster who could take a big leap. One such player is guard Kasparas Jakucionis, who has seemingly put on a lot of muscle early this offseason. The Heat's official X account further applauded the guard's physical transformation.

Jakucionis, the No. 20 selection in last summer's draft, was originally viewed as one of the biggest steals of the first round last offseason but after a poor Summer League performance along with his recovery from a groin injury, he was assigned to the Heat’s G-League affiliate to begin the season. However, once he became a regular fixture of the rotation in December, he made the most of it. With the injuries to the Heat's backcourt last season, Jakucionis saw an increase in playing time towards the latter half of the regular season. Terry Rozier's arrest, Tyler Herro's multiple injuries and Norman Powell's struggles toward the end of the regular season all opened the door for Jakucionis. The guard averaged 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 42.9 percent from the field and 42.3 percent from three-point range. Jakuconis also shot 87.9 percent from the free throw line. He played in 53 games, starting 12 of them.

The Heat currently enter next season with the backcourt as a major question mark. Powell is set to hit unrestricted free agency next month and Herro has been included in trade discussions all season long. He could be the main piece of an offer for Antetokounmpo or another star. That leaves the door open for guys like Jakucionis, Davion Mitchell and Pelle Larsson to lead the backcourt at the moment. Jakucionis, 20, could also be included in previously mentioned trade discussions given his value but he could be the team's starting point guard entering next season. The Heat hold the No. 13 selection in next month's draft and the team may use that pick to address the backcourt with players such as Labaron Philon Jr. and Cameron Carr frequently predicted as targets in different mock drafts.

A player entering their sophomore season is typically a candidate for a breakout campaign and with these offseason videos and reports regarding Jakucionis, he could be in for a big season if he can improve upon those shooting splits.

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