Miami Heat rookie guard Kasparas Jakučionis was voted the biggest steal of the 2025 NBA draft in the annual survey of general managers released this week.
The 30 executives voted on 49 questions, including three regarding the incoming rookie class. They voted on several categories, from the Most Valuable Player to the Sixth Man of the Year, and could not choose their own players or team personnel in the survey.
In addition to Jakučionis, Utah Jazz forward Ace Bailey, San Antonio Spurs guard Carter Bryant, Minnesota Timberwolves forward Joan Beringer, Charlotte Hornets forward Liam McNeeley and Atlanta Hawks center Asa Newell were also among the lead vote-getters.
Which rookie was the biggest steal at where he was selected in the Draft?
Kasparas Jakučionis (20), Miami – 17%Ace Bailey (5), Utah – 10%Carter Bryant (14), San Antonio – 10%Joan Beringer (17), Minnesota – 7%Liam McNeeley (29), Charlotte – 7%Asa Newell (23), Atlanta – 7%
Jakučionis was highly touted in the draft out of Illinois thanks to his ability to score at all three levels, playmaking, vision and passing. The team was particularly pleased with how he defended and brought energy to the court in each game, traits that have been on display this preseason.
The 19-year-old made his preseason debut with the Heat on Wednesday, recording eight points, 10 assists, two steals and one blocked shot in a loss against the San Antonio Spurs. He missed their first two games due to a sprained left wrist.
Jakučionis is projected to have the opportunity for a larger role than initially expected, especially since Tyler Herro will be sidelined at the start of the season due to a foot injury. He will enter the year with the chance to establish himself as one of the steals of the draft this year.