Biography of Rokas Jokubaitis
Rokas Jokubaitis is a Lithuanian basketball player who plays point guard in the Euroleague. He was born on November 19, 2000 in Mažeikiai, Lithuania. His height is 1m93. He currently plays for FC Barcelona.
Rokas Jokubaitis’s origins
Rokas Jokubaitis comes from a family with a passion for basketball. His father, Aivaras, played professionally in Lithuania and Poland. The talent for basketball seems to be a family legacy, as his mother and sister also played the sport. This family environment dedicated to basketball undoubtedly shaped Rokas’ early career, providing him with constant support and inspiration from an early age.
Successive clubs
Here’s Rokas Jokubaitis’ career path, from his early days to the present day.
Žalgiris (2017-2021)
Rokas Jokubaitis began his professional career at Žalgiris. In January 2018, he scored 31 points in an exhibition match against Prienai. His first LKL match came in May, against Pieno žvaigždės. For the 2018-2019 season, he is voted Best Young Player in NKL, with averages of 13.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.4 rebounds.
In June 2019, Jokubaitis extends his contract with Žalgiris for three years. During the 2020-2021 season, he averages seven points and 2.5 assists in the EuroLeague. He is a finalist for the Rising Star title. In the LKL, he averages eight points and four assists. He is again named Best Young Player.
FC Barcelona (2021-present)
In July 2021, Jokubaitis signs a four-year contract with FC Barcelona. He plays in Liga ACB and EuroLeague.
Rokas Jokubaitis and the NBA
In 2021, the Oklahoma City Thunder select Jokubaitis 34th in the NBA draft. His rights are then traded to the New York Knicks. In August, he returns to FC Barcelona after the NBA Summer League.
National team
Jokubaitis played for Lithuania from the age of 16. He won silver at the EuroBasket U16 in 2016. In 2017, he played at the U19 World Championship, finishing sixth. In 2018, at EuroBasket U18, he posted 12.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. Lithuania finished fifth. In 2019, at the U19 World Championship, he leads Lithuania to fourth place. He averages 11.3 points and 5.6 assists. On February 24, 2020, Jokubaitis makes his senior international debut during EuroBasket qualifying. In 2021, he takes part in the Olympic Qualification Tournament in Kaunas.
Playing style
Rokas Jokubaitis is known for his fluid play. He combines agility and intelligence on the pitch. His ability to penetrate defenses is remarkable. Jokubaitis is a precise passer, creating opportunities for his teammates. His outside shot is reliable, especially under pressure. He manages the pace of the game well, controlling the tempo. Defensively, he shows perseverance and anticipation. His youth brings energy to his team. His ability to adapt is a major asset. He continues to develop his game, promising a fine evolution.
Rokas Jokubaitis’s salary
In 2024, Rokas Jokubaitis is expected to earn between €650,000 and €1.2 million a year with FC Barcelona. This is a very good salary for a professional basketball player playing in Europe.