Heat's Kasparas Jakucionis earns recognition despite All-Rookie omission

The NBA announced All-Rookie teams, and Kasparas Jakucionis received one second-team vote despite not making the first or second teams. He began the season with limited rotation time, then was sent to Sioux Falls in mid-November to gain primary ballhandling reps. After being called up in mid-December, he made history in his first career start against the Boston Celtics on Dec. 21 and became a regular rotation player for the rest of the season. He played 53 games with 12 spot starts, averaging 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. He shot 42.3% from three, had 61.4% true shooting, contributed as a top passer and pick-and-roll decision-maker, and showed point-of-attack defensive improvement.

"The league announced its All-Rookie teams on Wednesday. Jakucionis, who turns 20-years-old on May 29, didn't make the first or second team. But the former No. 20 overall pick earned one second-team vote. Jakucionis joined Dallas' Ryan Nembhard as the only two players to receive only one second-team vote. Among the others who had les than five include Charlotte's Sion James, San Antonio's Carter Bryant and Washington's Will Riley."

"After a roller coaster Summer League, Jakucionis didn't crack the Heat's initial rotation and was eventually sent down to Sioux Falls in mid-November to garner some much-needed reps. He was still incredibly raw as a ballhandler, and going to the G-League allowed him to play with the rock in his hands as a primary initiator. Jakucionis was called in mid-December, and didn't get sent down."

"He made history in his first career start against the Boston Celtics on Dec. 21 and was a regular rotation player the rest of the season. He appeared in 53 games, including 12 spot-starts, averaging 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. He shot 42.3 percent from beyond the arc, including north of 48 percent on spot-up attempts, with a 61.4 true-shooting percentage."

"Jakucionis still didn't amass a ton of on-ball reps, but he showcased himself as one of the team's top passers and pick-and-roll decision-makers when he did. Furthermore, he was one of their top point-of-attack defenders. He unveiled quicker foot speed with more enhanced screen navigation than he did at Illinois."

Read at Hot Hot Hoops - Miami HEAT NBA Blog