Latest news with #KasparasJakucionis
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
ESPN: Rockets willing to shop 2025 draft pick for win-now upgrade
Courtesy of a pick obtained from the Phoenix Suns (via the Brooklyn Nets), the Houston Rockets have a top-10 pick in the 2025 NBA draft despite having just finished a 52-30 season with the No. 2 record in the Western Conference. The good news is that it's potentially more talent to add to the roster. The bad news is Houston isn't seemingly in position to develop another young prospect. Advertisement ESPN's Zach Kram offers a trade alternative: Chatter at the combine points to Houston (picking 10th), Portland (at No. 11), and San Antonio (picking again at No. 14) as teams willing to shop picks in the back half of the lottery for win-now upgrades. Houston, of course, just took the West's No. 2 seed and already has too many young promising players to fit into its rotation, meaning it might not be incentivized to add another. Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis is among the leading options for the Rockets at No. 10, but that's if they stay there. Moving out of the draft entirely is a viable option. The good news for Houston is that among the three picks ESPN listed, it's the No. 10 selection that is highest in the order. Thus, the Rockets and general manager Rafael Stone should have sufficient optionality as the June 25 first round nears. More: 2025 NBA mock drafts: Illinois' Kasparas Jakucionis draws early projections to Rockets This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: ESPN: Rockets willing to shop 2025 draft pick for win-now upgrade
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
2025 NBA mock drafts: Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis frequently linked to Rockets
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. Advertisement 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, 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. Advertisement 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 This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: 2025 NBA mock drafts: Kasparas Jakucionis frequently linked to Rockets
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
2025 NBA mock drafts: Will Houston keep its ‘Mr. Irrelevant' pick — and who might it be?
Much of the fixation for the Houston Rockets is on their No. 10 overall draft pick in the NBA's 2025 first round, which takes place on June 25. Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis is among the more popular early projections. But they also have another selection in the second round on the following day, June 26. Advertisement Via Oklahoma City, the Rockets currently own the final pick in the 2025 second round at No. 59 overall. (There are usually 60 picks in each draft, with one initially slotted each of the league's 30 teams in both rounds, but the New York Knicks had their 2025 second-round selection voided for tampering.) Because the Thunder had the NBA's best record in the 2024-25 season, that means their pick is 'Mr. Irrelevant,' as the saying goes. While expectations are low out of that draft slot, it's not unprecedented for it to lead to a significant contributor. Isaiah Thomas was 'Mr. Irrelevant' in the 2011 draft, and he averaged 11.5 points (37.9% on 3-pointers) and 4.1 assists per game as a rookie before eventually becoming a two-time NBA All-Star. So, who might the Rockets take at No. 59 (assuming they keep the pick)? Here's a roundup of what the latest mock draft projections are currently showing. Advertisement Additional statistics and prospect information is available at Tankathon. Many prospects selected late in the second round tend to be either international (for stash purposes, since they can potentially play at least one more season overseas and not immediately take up an NBA roster spot) or of advanced age. Because younger collegiate prospects are often perceived to have more upside, they tend to go higher in the order. But in the event that an older player is selected, they might be more ready to contribute in the near future, since they have more experience playing at a high level in college. More: 2025 NBA mock drafts: Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis frequently linked to Rockets This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: 2025 NBA mock drafts: Will the Rockets keep the 'Mr. Irrelevant' pick?
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NBA mock drafts: Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis frequently linked to Rockets
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. Advertisement 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, 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. Advertisement 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 This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: 2025 NBA mock drafts: Kasparas Jakucionis frequently linked to Rockets
USA Today
24-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
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, 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
