Nuggets Update: Jonas Valanciunas Joins Nikola Jokic as Backup Center

In a significant move during the offseason, the Denver Nuggets traded Dario Saric to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for seasoned center Jonas Valanciunas. This acquisition aims to bolster the Nuggets’ roster as they strive to find an effective backup for star player Nikola Jokic.

Nuggets’ Quest for a Reliable Backup Center

The search for a reliable backup center for Jokic has been a longstanding issue for the Nuggets. Over the years, they have faced various challenges in this position, marked by a series of trades and acquisitions that often resulted in unsatisfactory outcomes.

Historical Context

• 2016: Jusuf Nurkic served as Jokic’s initial backup but was traded after expressing discontent with his reduced role.
• 2017-2020: Mason Plumlee provided stability during his tenure, contributing positively during Jokic’s absence.
• 2020-2021: A period of uncertainty followed Plumlee’s departure, leading to lesser-used players like Isaiah Hartenstein and JaVale McGee.
• 2021-2023: DeMarcus Cousins temporarily filled the backup role but could not completely bridge the gap.
• 2022-2025: A series of trades and acquisitions, including DeAndre Jordan and Thomas Bryant, failed to provide consistent results.

The Opportunity with Jonas Valanciunas

Jonas Valanciunas now steps into this pivotal role. With a proven track record, Valanciunas has started 91% of his 937 NBA games and averaged double-digit scoring for twelve consecutive seasons. His experience and versatility could be exactly what the Nuggets need.

Valanciunas’s Potential Impact

• Strong rebounding ability.
• Proficient screener and passer.
• Capable of playing both traditional center and as a playmaker.

Nuggets coach David Adelman plans to utilize him in diverse ways, hoping to replicate the successful dynamics seen with previous backup centers like Plumlee. With Valanciunas on board, the Nuggets can explore a “double-big” lineup, potentially enhancing their offense and maintaining stability during Jokic’s rest periods.

Addressing Past Challenges

Historically, the Nuggets have endured a substantial drop in their performance metrics whenever Jokic is not on the floor. For instance, over the past few seasons, the net rating differential has illustrated a troubling pattern.

The Nuggets hope that Valanciunas can help shrink this gap and improve their overall efficiency when Jokic is sidelined, marking a new chapter for the franchise.

As the season approaches, the basketball community will be watching closely to see if Jonas Valanciunas can break the cycle of inconsistency in the backup center position for the Denver Nuggets.