MIAMI — All Kasparas Jakucionis needed was a healthy opportunity. The Miami Heat’s ongoing lack of health has taken care of that for last June’s No. 20 pick out of Illinois.
With Davion Mitchell sidelined from Thursday night’s loss to the Boston Celtics with the shoulder contusion that also had him out for Saturday night’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jakucionis found himself with the rare opportunity to contribute.
For the Heat, it was another heartening glimpse of the 19-year-old Lithuanian. It also allowed for perhaps a bit of a showcase ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trading deadline.
“I have to stay ready always, and whenever I get the chance, I just try to embrace it,” Jakucionis said. “And outside of that, I just try to be ready, work out, and watch film and just be mentally ready.”
A difficult enough of a challenge even for a veteran, Jakucionis has proven to be on-call ready, with the Heat also continuing to play in the void of Jaime Jaquez Jr., who has been out for a week with a knee sprain.
“He’s been ready every time he’s been given an opportunity out there,” said coach Erik Spoelstra, with the Heat next heading out for a five-game western swing that opens Monday against the Golden State Warriors. “He can make some plays and he’s fearless.”
Center and team captain Bam Adebayo said there is a maturity there that belies Jakucionis’ youth.
“He’s trying to do the right thing every play,” Adebayo said. “He’s trying to play fast. He’s trying to over-communicate. And when you see a young guy like that, he has a bright future for him, because he’s committed to what we’re telling him, what we’re asking of him.”
Guard Tyler Herro said the behind-the-scenes work has shown the hunger.
“He’s a hard worker for sure,” Herro said. “You know, he comes in first one in, last one out every day.
“And he’s ready for it. I’m excited to see his growth and development right now.”
After closing with a career-best eight assists in the loss to the Celtics, Jakucionis said the comfort is natural when opportunity is afforded.
“I think we have crazy talented guys that I never played with in my life with that type of player,” he said. “So I’m just happy to be there and try to help them get in their spots and make the plays for them.”
With more consistent Heat health, it is likely there would be more consistent time for Jakucionis, albeit in the G League, with Heat affiliate the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
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For now, it’s waiting for Heat opportunities – and watching, including Mitchell’s dogged approach.
“I definitely watch him a lot in practices and how he approaches the defensive end, how aggressive he is, how he’s making plays for others,” Jakucionis said. “So I’m just trying to learn from him, for sure.”
National treasure
When it comes to the play of reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 27, Heat forward Andrew Wiggins said there is nothing but appreciation for his fellow Canadian.
“Man,” Wiggins said, “every year he’s improved his game so much, so much to the point when he ends his career, there’s a conversation as far as accolades and everything he’s accomplished.
“The sky’s the limit for him. He’s still young. He still has so much more to do. So as a Canadian, it’s exciting to see, and you know, I love watching him.”
Gardner back
With Mitchell and Jaquez sidelined, guard Myron Gardner rejoined the Heat from his two-way contract assignment with the G League Sioux Falls Skyforce.
Gardner has appeared in 10 games with the Skyforce, averaging 15.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists in the G League, shooting .458 on 3-pointers.
The Heat’s other two-way players, center Vlad Goldin and guard Jahmir Young, remain on G League assignment.
