According to BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas, Bucks coach Taylor Jenkins and assistant GM Milt Newton will be travelling to Bologna, Italy, to formally introduce themselves to the newly acquired Kasparas Jakucionis. Jakucionis—who was reportedly a key sticking point in the Giannis trade—is currently playing for Lithuania’s senior national team, which is trying to qualify for the FIBA World Cup.
Per Urbonas, the trip is expected to last less than 24 hours, with Bucks officials clearly wanting to make a point
of reaching out and developing a relationship with the 20-year-old as soon as possible (even though they would meet in under a week at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas).
In a separate interview with BasketNews last week, Jakucionis revealed that the trade news came as a shock.
“Yeah, the first day definitely wasn’t easy,” he said. “I was thinking about it a lot, but then you realise this is a business and there’s only so much you can control. So, I’m trying to focus on what I can control, which is putting in the work and becoming a better version of myself every day. I’m not trying to spend too much time thinking about everything else.”
That said, the budding guard isn’t dwelling on the situation. Instead, he’s looking to take advantage of the opportunity he’ll get on a rebuilding Bucks team.
“Like I said, the first day was tough because it was the first time in my basketball career that something like this happened to me… but I don’t think it’s a bad thing. It’s a young organisation with a lot of young players, so I think it will be a good situation for me.”
The California Classic Summer League kicks off today, with the Bucks playing their first game at 2:00 p.m. CDT vs. the Golden State Warriors.
