Rookie guard Kasparas Jakucionis appeared in 53 games for the Miami Heat this season, making 12 starts along the way.
According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, the organization has been satisfied with how he has developed over the course of his first year.
Head coach Erik Spoelstra pointed to Jakucionis’ steady improvement and work ethic as key reasons for his growing role in the rotation late in the season.
“I’m very encouraged by the progress that he’s made,” Spoelstra said. “He’s willed himself through his work and consistent actions to be pretty consistent in our rotation the last several weeks.
“That was hard-earned. He’s a lot better now than where he was coming into training camp, and certainly where he was in summer league.
“But he’s relentless, and he wants to get better. You have to respect his competitive spirit. He’s a competitor out there, even as a young player, so he’ll continue to get better.”
Jakucionis showed clear signs of growth late in the season, scoring in double figures in three of his final seven games and delivering a nine-assist performance against Washington earlier this month.
Over his rookie year with the Heat, he averaged 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 53 regular-season appearances.
Southeast Notes: Jakucionis, Fontecchio, Young, Davis, Magic Play-In https://t.co/aHRCiLderG pic.twitter.com/RjMbsy7Mq7
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 14, 2026
