BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks have land a versatile guard to complement Kyrie Irving in the 2025 NBA Draft. According to reports, the Mavericks select Kasparas Jakučionis, a 6’6″ guard from Illinois, with the No. 12 pick. Jakučionis is a highly skilled player who can score at all three levels, with a strong…
The Dallas Mavericks seem to be headed for a spot in the Play-In Tournament, but they could have a chance to secure a high first-round draft pick if they fail to advance to the playoffs.
With Luka Dončić no longer in town and Kyrie Irving possibly missing most, if not all of next season, the Mavericks may need to address the guard position in this upcoming draft. Because of that, Kyle Soppe of the Pro Football & Sports Network predicts the Mavs will select Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakučionis with the No. 12 pick.
“The tough-luck Mavericks have the potential to add an attacking threat that can score at all three levels,” Soppe wrote. “Kasparas Jakučionis’ profile is that of a viable shooter at the professional level, but that’s not his only trait, and it is his versatility that figures to have the Mavericks buying in.”
Jakučionis’ frame, stepback jumper, and playmaking skills might remind some people of Dončić, especially since the 6-foot-6 Lithuanian native averaged 15 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists to close out his first year at Illinois.
However, while they share some similar attributes, Jakučionis will need to prove he can handle double teams, traps, physical defenders, bring out the best in his teammates, and manage the tempo of the game similarly to Dončić if he wants to be on the same level as the former Mavericks superstar.
If Jakučionis can live up to those expectations, then the Mavs would end up with a huge steal at the No. 12 spot and in a strong position to do some serious damage with Irving, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II presumably by his side.
