Miami Heat rookie Kasparas Jakučionis accompanied the team as it embarked on a four-game West Coast road trip, beginning Thursday with the San Antonio Spurs.
Jakučionis has been sidelined to begin the regular season because of a right groin strain sustained on Oct. 12 in a loss to the Orlando Magic. He has been limited in practice, though coach Erik Spoelstra said last week that Jakučionis has been able to do “more and more” each day.
The 20th pick is day-to-day with the injury, which isn’t considered serious. In addition to Jakučionis travelling with the team, Tyler Herro (foot) also made the trip, which Spoelstra believes can be helpful for their respective rehabilitation.
“For us, sure, it is always good to have them around,” Spoelstra said. “But I think it just speeds up the whole process when they’re around the guys, around the game, around the whole travel routine, and participating in some of the things that they can do, which they did this morning.”
Jakučionis was limited to two preseason appearances after missing the first two games due to a sprained left wrist. He debuted on Oct. 8, producing eight points, 10 assists, two steals and one block in a loss against the San Antonio Spurs.
The 19-year-old was highly touted out of Illinois thanks to his ability to score at all three levels, playmaking, vision and passing. He was voted as the biggest steal of the draft in the annual survey of general managers released earlier this month.
Jakučionis could have the opportunity for a larger role than initially expected for the Heat once he is cleared to return to action. The team has been impressed by his competitiveness, intensity and motor since starting training camp last month.
