Rokas Jokubaitis impressive at Summer League, but Knicks don't have room at guard
Rokas Jokubaiti of Lithuania celebrates after a FIBA Basketball World Cup Classification 5-8 game against Slovenia at Mall of Asia Arena on Sept. 7, 2023, in Manila, Philippines. Credit: Getty Images/Yong Teck Lim
LAS VEGAS — As you watch Rokas Jokubaitis, whether it is smoothly and effortlessly draining a feathery jump shot or sneaking in for a steal and a breakaway dunk, he looks as if he belongs in the NBA.
Getting his footing here he was 7-for-7 from the field Wednesday afternoon, scoring 16 points, handing out five assists with a pair of steals and a blocked shot in the Knicks' 106-105 win over the Kings. But where he winds up after this latest run with the Knicks squad in the Las Vegas Summer League is a mystery that an impressive performance at Cox Pavilion Wednesday afternoon wasn’t going to resolve.
Jokubaitis remains under contract overseas, but that is not the only complication. Since he first appeared with the Knicks in the summer the Knicks have built a formidable roster — including one with a crowded backcourt.
The starting point guard spot is clearly secured by Jalen Brunson. If a combo guard like Jokubaitis was shifted to shooting guard the Knicks now have Mikal Bridges in place. Add in Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart, Deuce McBride and even this year’s second-round pick Tyler Kolek and there would seem to be no room for even a talented prospect like Jokubaitis.
So while the Knicks may be a first option, there are plenty of others. Does Jokubaitis return to Barcelona? Or does he leave that team where the backcourt is crowded too with Ricky Rubio and young point guard Juan Nunez a favored prospect. Or does he leave for Zalgiris in his native Lithuania? Or perhaps he will find a place in the NBA with the Knicks using his draft rights in a deal?
"Now I have contract with Barca," Jokubaitis said. "I had a tough summer with the national team. Have a few games remaining and then we will see. I will come back home to rest a little bit and then we will see where I’ll play next season.
“I still have contract so we’re waiting for the information,” Jokubaitis added. “Just waiting for the information because new coach so he’s still deciding so I still have the contract with Barca and that’s all I know.”
Asked if he was considering remaining in the United States he said, “Now it’s difficult to say. There’s still a few games left in Summer League. We’ll see. I don’t know what they’re thinking, enjoying the moment here and see after Summer League. At this point I don’t have any preference. I played my whole life in Europe but I always wanted to come back here to see myself how I would do here. My options are free and why not to try it here, also?
Jokubaitis was selected with the 34th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, two spots ahead of Deuce McBride — both picks coming to the Knicks in exchange for Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (coincidentally of Villanova). But after playing with the Knicks in the summer league he signed a four-year deal with Barcelona.
He returned to the Las Vegas Summer League with the Knicks this time after skipping the last two summers. But his return was on hold until just days before. He was playing for the Lithuanian national team as it tried to qualify for the Paris Olympics. But a loss to Puerto Rico opened the door and he arrived in New York just in time to join the Knicks squad as it departed for Las Vegas.
“It takes time to regroup from European and NBA basketball,” he said after Tuesday’s loss. “But I’m feeling good. I’m feeling better and better. Of course we lost two games so we don’t have many chances to go to the semifinal and the final. That’s a little sad. But of course Summer League is to show yourself, to be with the team, to let the coaching staff and head coach see you. I’m improving every game so let’s see tomorrow.”
“I think he’s gotten a little bit more comfortable,” said Knicks summer league coach Dice Yoshimoto. “I know sometimes I’m playing a couple of ballhandlers together. I like his decision-making. I like how he got downhill making the plays. I think his defense has gotten better. Those are things I’d like to see more of. Him playing at the high level in Europe, obviously he has gotten better.”
Jokubaitis came off the bench for a third straight game. When he entered the game Wednesday, he seemed more comfortable, more acclimated. He hit all three of his shots in the first half — including a pair of three-point field goals — and handed out four assists in just nine minutes.
“He was aggressive on both sides of the floor,” Yoshimoto said. “He got into the ball better. He’s understanding the defensive schemes better. He’s done a great job so far watching the film.”
Steve Popper covers the Knicks for Newsday. He has spent nearly three decades covering the Knicks and the NBA, along with just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
