Here’s a bold statement: Jonas Valanciunas might just be the missing piece the Denver Nuggets need to elevate Nikola Jokic and the entire team to new heights. But here’s where it gets controversial—while Valanciunas has long been a starter, his new role as Jokic’s backup could be the game-changer no one saw coming. Let’s dive into why this move could redefine the Nuggets’ season.
Facing Nikola Jokic in practice every day has been a transformative challenge for Jonas Valanciunas. As he put it after a recent session at Ball Arena, ‘It’s not easy. He pushes me to be better. Every day, I have to bring my A-game, even when I’m not feeling my best. Jokic keeps me sharp, forcing me to practice at 100%.’ This daily grind hasn’t just improved Valanciunas—it’s sparked hope that his presence could do the same for Jokic, who’s endured years of inconsistent backup support.
Valanciunas’s 6-foot-11, 265-pound frame isn’t just intimidating—it’s a game-changer for Denver. As Nuggets coach David Adelman noted, ‘It’s tough to replicate a player of that size. We have to be cautious about overworking Jokic against him, but it’s crucial for both players’ development.’ And this is the part most people miss—Valanciunas isn’t just a big body; he’s a skilled passer, allowing the Nuggets’ first and second units to play a more cohesive, similar style of basketball.
While Valanciunas humbly acknowledges that Jokic’s passing ability is in a ‘different stratosphere,’ his own court vision and playmaking are no small asset. This synergy could unlock rotational flexibility for Adelman, who’s already experimenting with subbing Jokic out earlier than usual—a stark contrast to past seasons where Jokic often played the entire first quarter. The potential to pair the two big men together, though still a work in progress, adds another layer of strategic depth.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Could this big-big lineup become a secret weapon for the Nuggets? Adelman hints at its possibility, noting, ‘It’ll depend on matchups and how the other team rotates. Some nights, Jokic might still play the full 12 minutes, but other times, we might lean into specific lineups early in the second quarter.’ This adaptability, combined with Valanciunas’s willingness to embrace a bench role, could be a masterstroke for Denver’s success.
Valanciunas didn’t choose Denver—the Nuggets traded Dario Saric to Sacramento to bring him in. Rumors swirled that he preferred to continue his career in Greece, but since his first media appearance, he’s been all smiles. Teammate Peyton Watson summed it up perfectly: ‘He’s a good dude. You see him on another team, all big and menacing, and you think he might be weird. But he’s been nothing but positive since day one.’
At 33, Valanciunas is no stranger to the NBA grind, having started 848 of his 937 career games. Yet, he’s embracing his new bench role with humility, focusing on adding to his 58 playoff appearances. ‘We all have to put our egos aside,’ he said. ‘Only together can we achieve something great. I want to win, no matter my role. Whether I’m on the court or the bench, I’ll do whatever it takes.’
Here’s the real question for you: Is Valanciunas the unsung hero the Nuggets need to finally reach their full potential? His impact on Jokic and the team’s dynamics is undeniable, but will it translate to postseason success? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions.
