Jonas Valanciunas Joins Nuggets as Backup Center to Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets have recently taken a significant step in strengthening their roster by acquiring Jonas Valanciunas from the Sacramento Kings. This trade, involving Dario Saric, aims to bolster the team’s backup center position behind superstar Nikola Jokic.

Valanciunas Takes the Backup Role

Jonas Valanciunas steps into a role that has historically posed challenges for the Nuggets. With the departure of various backup centers over the years, the team has struggled to find a reliable presence behind Jokic. Valanciunas brings a wealth of experience, having played 937 NBA games and maintaining a double-digit scoring average for the last 12 seasons.

A History of Backup Center Challenges

Since Jokic became a pivotal player for the Nuggets, the organization has faced a rotating door of backup centers. The transition began in 2016 when Jokic replaced Jusuf Nurkic, leading to tension and eventual trading of Nurkic to the Portland Trail Blazers. Subsequently, players like Mason Plumlee provided stability for a few seasons.

• 2016-2019: Mason Plumlee served as a capable backup, maintaining a balanced net rating when sharing minutes with Jokic.
• 2020-2021: The departure of Plumlee led to uncertainty, as the team explored various options, including JaMychal Green and Isaiah Hartenstein, with limited success.
• 2022-2023: The Nuggets tried to fill the gap with DeAndre Jordan and Dario Saric, but neither made a significant impact.

Valanciunas: A Promising Addition

Valanciunas is known for his efficient post-play and ability to rebound effectively. With a reputation as a strong screener and passer, he is expected to work well with Jokic. Head coach David Adelman envisions utilizing Valanciunas in a dual-capacity role, enhancing the team’s offensive versatility.

As the Nuggets gear up for the new season, there is optimism surrounding Valanciunas’s potential impact on the court. Teammate Jamal Murray has expressed confidence in Valanciunas’s ability to pose problems for opposing defenses, highlighting his consistent play style.

The Future of the Nuggets

The addition of Jonas Valanciunas could signify a shift for the Nuggets as they aim to improve their performance when Jokic is off the court. By strategically leveraging Valanciunas’s skills, Denver hopes to narrow the gap in net ratings seen over past seasons.

Net Rating Differential Over the Years

This upcoming season will be crucial for both Jokic and Valanciunas as they aim to set a new precedent for the Nuggets’ center position. The team and fans are eager to see if Valanciunas can finally break the cycle of challenges associated with the role.