2025 NBA mock drafts: Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis frequently linked to Rockets
2025 NBA mock drafts: Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis frequently linked to Rockets HoopsHype's aggregate mock draft and draft predictor both have Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis as Houston's most likely pick at No. 10 overall.
When the 2025 NBA draft lottery resulted in the Houston Rockets (via Phoenix) landing the No. 10 overall pick in the first round, Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis was a popular early projection at that slot.
Two weeks later, over the U.S. Memorial Day holiday weekend, that largely remains the case.
This Sunday is exactly one month until the June 25 first round, and Jakucionis is still the consensus projection for the Rockets at No. 10. As part of their latest aggregate mock draft, our friends at HoopsHype explain the methodology:
These rankings reflect the composite score of 10 mock drafts (ESPN, CBS Sports, The Athletic, Bleacher Report, Babcock Hoops, USA Today, NBAdraft.net, SB Nation and For The Win) to get a feel for the overall consensus.
Regarding Jakucionis and the Rockets, HoopsHype's Cyro Asseo de Choch writes:
They would like someone who fits Ime Udoka's switchable and high-IQ system.
Kasparas Jakucionis is a top guard prospect, combining elite playmaking with excellent size and offensive versatility. The Illinois freshman showcased advanced floor vision and pick-and-roll mastery (0.934 points per possession, or PPP, as ball-handler, 65th percentile), operating as a primary initiator while maintaining efficient decision-making (1.073 PPP in isolation).
His ability to play both on and off-ball adds valuable lineup flexibility, though his inconsistent 3-point shooting and modest transition production (0.568 PPP) currently limit his ceiling. Defensively, he uses his length well (0.867 PPP allowed) but lacks elite quickness, raising questions about his ability to contain NBA guards. While not an explosive athlete, his high basketball IQ, international experience, and well-rounded skill set make him a strong lottery candidate for teams seeking a big, creative guard who can develop into a starting-caliber playmaker.
An assistant coach told HoopsHype: 'Kasparas is the real deal. This is another classic example of a combo point guard. Look, Tyrese Haliburton is still who I love to compare him to. The difference between Kasparas and Jeremiah (Fears) is that I have fewer doubts about Kasparas's playmaking ability at the professional level. He gets to the line pretty well; maybe that's just because he's a big point guard going up against smaller defenders in college, but I'm a big fan of his. Plus, he comes from Lithuania, which adds another layer to his skill set. It wouldn't shock me if he ends up being the best out of the three guards after (Dylan) Harper.'
More: Kasparas Jakucionis: NBA draft scouting report and intel
As of Saturday, HoopsHype's draft predictor formula also lists Jakucionis as the most likely selection (30.8%) at No. 10. South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles (23.6%) is second.
Some media reports have indicated that Houston is looking to shop the No. 10 pick on the trade market for a win-now upgrade, since the Rockets already have a deep stockpile of young players to develop. The Rockets struggled to find consistent minutes for guard prospects Reed Sheppard and Cam Whitmore in 2024-25, so adding Jakucionis to the mix could create a logjam.
Then again, the Rockets have shown they won't hesitate to use their NBA G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Vipers, for developmental purposes. So, it's possible that if they view a prospect such as Jakucionis to be the best player or asset available (relative to other potential picks or trade options), they could initially play him in the G League while waiting to see if the surrounding roster construction changes — be it from injuries or trades.
With the 2025 NBA draft now approximately one month away, expect speculation to ramp up more over the days and weeks ahead.
More: ESPN: Rockets willing to shop 2025 draft pick for win-now upgrade
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