One of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft, Illinois Fighting Illini and Lithuanian native Kasparas Jakucionis has solidified himself as a lottery pick come draft night.
But where exactly in that range could he go to maximize his potential?
What Makes Kasparas Jakucionis a Top 2025 NBA Draft Prospect?
One of the top lead guards in the Big Ten a season ago, it was a bit of a surprise when Jakucionis decided to forego his international playing days and enter the college basketball ranks. But he certainly made the best of it, performing well in front of NBA scouts in averaging 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists.
A classic European guard, he showed an exquisite feel for the game, finding open teammates and excelling in the pick-and-roll. There was promise early in the season that he’d be a high level three-pointer at just 18 years old, but his percentages tailed off late in the season. His shooting stroke is pure and inspires confidence that he could become a threat from outside with development.
At 6’6″, Jakucionis’ positional size as the lead guard benefit him greatly; something that has led to much success in the NBA with similar players of his build.
Considered to be taken anywhere from the top 5 to the back end of the lottery, which organizations would fit best in order for Jakucionis to thrive?
Houston Rockets
Holding the 10th overall pick, the Rockets need offense — badly. Though Jakucionis would likely be given the Reed Sheppard treatment and ride the bench during his rookie season, Houston would benefit greatly from his presence in the future as a creator and outside shooter if he develops that skill.
A playoff-contending team already, Rockets’ brass would be wise to continue looking through the long view and taking Jakucionis, a prospect who has a high ceiling and fits what they need long term.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are in an interesting position, as they don’t have much young, promising talent currently on the roster. What they do have is high-level role players in center Nic Claxton and forward Cam Johnson — two players who would do well with Jakucionis’ creation in the pick-and-roll, as he found the roller for dunks and kicked out to three-point shooters extremely well during his time at Illinois.
With the No. 8 pick, Brooklyn needs someone to hitch their wagon to as they face a long rebuild. If Jakucionis is there, he could be their guy.
New Orleans Pelicans
Another team without much young talent at the lead guard position, the Pelicans have the feel of a playoff-contender but have disappointed in recent years behind veteran-laden squads. It may be time to set the recent button in New Orleans and began a rebuild focused on forward Trey Murphy III, guard Jordan Hawkins and center Yves Missi.
Adding Jakucionis to that mix would be purely additive, as he wouldn’t take anything away from that group. In fact, he’d accentuate Missi’s finishing around the rim and be able to spray the ball out to Murphy and Hawkins for threes.
Washington Wizards
Washington has stockpiled draft picks during their rebuild but still hasn’t seemed to hit on a star guard. While Bub Carrington showed promise last season, he may be better suited as a two-guard in an off-ball role.
Taking another shot at the dart board with Jakucionis would be an ideal swing for a Wizards team that has stunk for years now.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers are two years into the Scoot Henderson experience, as they selected him No. 3 in the 2023 draft. While there have been some highs, he hasn’t been able to establish himself in a starting role and has instead been relegated to backup point guard.
If Portland’s decision-makers deem Jakucionis to have a higher ceiling — and higher floor — than Henderson, they very well could take a shot on another talented point guard to base their future off of.
Dark Horse Destinations That Could Surprise on Draft Night
The San Antonio Spurs hold the second overall pick and are expected to take Rutgers point guard Dylan Harper — but if they deem him not viable to be the No. 2 pick, it’s possible that they could trade back and aim for Jakucionis, a similar supersized lead guard but with a much better feel for the game and passing ability.
KEEP READING: Watch: Projected No.1 Cooper Flagg Pick Rains In 3 Point Shots Getting Ready For The NBA Draft
Jakucionis and 2023 No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama would be a problem in the future.
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