Go ahead and file your “Kasparas Jakucionis for Rookie of the Year” predictions under the “Never going to happen” bucket. The Miami Heat are making it painfully obvious that he’s not going to have a regular role during the 2025-26 regular season.
This wouldn’t be a revelation for most teams. Squads attempting to make the playoffs generally don’t rely on rookies, and unknowns. The Heat, though, are among the most common exceptions.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. is the most recent example. While he was on shakier footing in head coach Erik Spoelstra’s rotation last year, he ranked second on the team in total minutes played as a rookie.