Even after drafting Kasparas Jakucionis, the Miami Heat are reportedly still in search of a seasoned ball-handler. Jakucionis is viewed as a long-term project who’ll need time before stepping into a lead playmaker role.
According to Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, the Heat could turn their attention to Russell Westbrook, who is currently an unrestricted free agent after opting out of his deal with the Denver Nuggets earlier this offseason.
“Although he’s 36 and far from a perfect player at this stage in his career, there’s no doubting that Westbrook can still bring the juice to a team’s scoring attack,” Swartz wrote.
“…Westbrook would join a guard rotation that features Tyler Herro, Davion Mitchell, Norman Powell and rookie Kasparas Jakučionis, giving Miami a dynamic playmaker that can still get downhill and attack a defense. With making a playoff run still very much the goal, Westbrook can keep the seat warm for a year while Jakučionis learns the NBA game.”
If Miami brings Westbrook in, he could immediately fit into Erik Spoelstra’s starting five, bringing fast-break energy and veteran leadership. While he wouldn’t fix the Heat’s floor-spacing concerns, his talent at a minimum salary would still be a win for Pat Riley.
Heat Not Expected to Make Big Moves
On a recent episode of the Zaslow Show 2.0, ESPN cap analyst Bobby Marks played down expectations for any splashy trade from Miami going forward.
“I mean, listen, we’re going to see probably within the next couple of days, Beal become available in free agency,” Marks said.
“I think the Norman Powell move eliminates that, as far as what they need. They’re a little bit below the first apron, so they can go out and sign a minimum guy if they want to do that. But I’m not anticipating another big move.”
He added:
“I like the move, it was a low-risk move as far as what they did…. I’m not anticipating a huge move as for what’s next with this roster.”
This makes Westbrook on a minimum deal seem all the more realistic and strategic — especially with Terry Rozier’s status still unclear.
Jakucionis Grateful and Ready to Learn
Whether or not Westbrook joins the team, Jakucionis is likely to see real minutes this year under Coach Spoelstra, who’s known for developing young players.
After being drafted, Jakucionis expressed how excited he is to play alongside Miami stars:
“The playmaking ability is what I do,” Jakucionis said.
“I’m just grateful to play with guys like Bam Adebayo. We can play together in pick-and-rolls. And Tyler Herro and all those kinds of players. I’m just very happy and grateful to be in this place… I’m so excited. I’m just grateful for this moment to be in this place with this opportunity to get my name called. It’s special for me. That was what I was working for all my life since I was little, and that was my dream. But now this is just the beginning, and everything starts from new.”
If Westbrook joins the Heat, he could serve as a perfect mentor — showing Jakucionis the ropes as a true floor general in today’s NBA.
