"Billy's obviously picked up an injury a couple of weeks back," said Naismith. "There was an argument to have him on site, but he's better being at home and seeing how this week goes to give him the best chance to be ready, and that's still a good, realistic possibility. "The higher risk comes if you maybe force him into the first game
And in the Heat's new fast-paced offense, there's reason to believe that Jakucionis could truly thrive. Without a true, natural backup point guard on the roster, there's a clear role that Jakucionis could end up filling. While Davion Mitchell has done a tremendous job emerging as the team's primary playmaker on the offensive end of the floor, Jakucionis could certainly help free him up on that end of the floor.