On Wednesday night, the Miami Heat brought the city together for the 2025 NBA draft watch party at Kaseya Center. There was pick-by-pick draft coverage, photo ops with Burnie and Heat dancers, interactive games on the Pat Riley Court and a chance to share hopes for the season ahead.
Fans showed up in full force, eager to see if the front office would make a move to shake up the roster after a disappointing 2024-25 season.
With the 20th overall pick, the Heat selected 6’6” guard Kasparas Jakucionis from Illinois, adding to a growing young core that includes Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kel’el Ware.
“I’ve been a fan my whole life,” said Dominik Tello, who attended. “The bad teams, the good teams—I’m still riding with them.”
The night was filled with energy, excitement and cautious optimism as fans rallied behind the pick and hoped it marked the start of real change in Miami.
