Nikola Jovic admitted that he was “surprised” when the Miami Heat drafted Kasparas Jakucionis in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The Miami Heat drafted Kasparas Jakucionis, a combo guard out of Illinois, number 20 in the first round of the NBA Draft. The Lithuanian joins the team as another European talent in Miami, which includes Serbia’s Nikola Jovic, one of three Miami Heat players suiting up for EuroBasket 2025.
Jovic is one of the rising young stars in the NBA, and he knows Kasparas Jakucionis from his time in college. He admitted that he was surprised that the Heat drafted Jakucionis.
Photo by Candice Ward/Getty ImagesNikola Jovic admits he was surprised the Miami Heat drafted Kasparas Jakucionis
Jovic followed Jakucionis through college last season, where he averaged 15 points per game. He said he was surprised that he fell all the way to number 20, and presumed he would be a top-10 pick.
He told BasketNews, “I know a lot about his game. I followed him in college because he played with my really good friend Tomislav Ivisic, and that’s why I watched his game.
“I was really surprised when we drafted him because I really thought he was going to be like a Top 10 pick. But it’s for sure a good pick for us. He’s a great player. I haven’t really talked to him, but I can’t wait to see him play. And I’m sure he’ll be a great piece for us.”
That’s welcome news to Heat fans, since Jakucionis had a tough time in Summer League. He averaged four points through his first three games, an alarming sign from who many called the steal of the 2025 NBA Draft.
He did have a 24-point game against the Atlanta Hawks and 16 against the Detroit Pistons during his final few games, and he’ll hope to take confidence from those games into his rookie season with the Heat.
Jovic commented on Jakucionis’ Summer League showing, adding, “It’s obvious he struggled a little bit in the summer at the start. But I did the same thing, I really struggled at the start. But I know he’ll be a good player.”
Nikola Jovic’s EuroBasket form gives Miami Heat hope of a successful season
The Heat aren’t looking to depend on Jakucionis this season. They’ll just want to see their rookie develop throughout the year. But after the loss of Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors, Jovic will need to step into a bigger role alongside Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
Heat Head Coach Eric Spoelstra has been encouraged by Jovic’s play with Serbia, and said he returns to Miami more mature after international trips. Jovic has been learning from Nikola Jokic with Serbia, playing on one of the powerhouses of international basketball.
Jovic outperformed Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic when Serbia beat Slovenia in the build-up to EuroBasket. He posted 18 points with Spoelstra watching on, outscoring the Los Angeles Lakers star and his three-time MVP teammate.
It’s been a promising summer for the young Serbian. He is expected to lead his country to the EuroBasket title, and a championship-winning experience can only be a positive for his development.
The East is there for the taking this season, and if Jovic can continue his fast ascent into stardom, the Heat have every chance to make a third appearance in the NBA Finals in six seasons.