Kasparas Jakucionis, the Miami Heat’s rookie first-round pick, has had a delayed start to his NBA career after being sidelined by a right groin strain that kept him out for the team’s first eight games of the season.
Although the 19-year-old guard was technically cleared and listed as available for Miami’s November 7 matchup against Charlotte, he never checked into the game and, as a result, has still not made his official NBA debut.
In an effort to get him some game action and ease him back into competitive play, Miami assigned Jakucionis to its G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, on Saturday.
The plan, according to a report from Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press, is for him to participate in a few games with Sioux Falls before being recalled to the Heat.
However, as Ira Winderman observes, Jakucionis’ first outing with the Skyforce was uneven and showed signs of a player shaking off rust.
His stat line reflected a mix of positives and struggles, as he recorded “12 points (on 4-of-15 shooting), seven rebounds, two assists and six turnovers in 22 minutes.”
Though not ideal, the game gives Jakucionis a first step toward NBA readiness, and the Heat seem intent on using G League reps to get him up to speed before he joins Erik Spoelstra’s rotation.
Heat Notes: Herro, Jakucionis, Rebounding, Butler Deal https://t.co/FzwgDNess8 pic.twitter.com/WxdjVh0wP2
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) November 18, 2025
