Jonas Valanciunas shines against Kings, boosts Denver’s team spirit
In the early weeks of the NBA season, the spotlight has predominantly shone on Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, the dynamic duo leading the Denver Nuggets’ explosive offense. Their efforts have propelled the team to the second-best record in the Western Conference, trailing only the formidable OKC Thunder. Yet, amidst this success, another name has quietly emerged as a pivotal figure in Denver’s lineup: veteran center Jonas Valanciunas.
A Solid Presence Off the Bench
Valanciunas has carved out a significant role as a key contributor to Denver’s second unit. Serving as a backup center to Jokic, he has proven himself to be an invaluable asset whenever called upon. Over the course of 24 games, Valanciunas has averaged 8.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, all while shooting an impressive 58.9% from the field in just under 13 minutes per game. His efficiency and reliability have not gone unnoticed.
A Voice of Leadership in the Locker Room
While Valanciunas’ on-court contributions are commendable, it is his impact within the locker room that has particularly drawn praise from head coach David Adelman. After a recent victory against the Sacramento Kings, Adelman expressed his admiration for Valanciunas, highlighting not only his skills but also his infectious personality. “Yeah, Jonas is—he’s one of the funniest dudes I’ve ever been around,” Adelman remarked. “He’s just the best dude, and his attitude about his role in this team has never wavered.”
Adelman noted that Valanciunas is often the first to rally his teammates, regardless of his playing time. “There have been nights where he doesn’t play a ton of minutes, and he’s the first guy in the huddle trying to pump people up to win the game; on the bus, in the food room, locker room, the guys just enjoy seeing him every day.”
The Blessing of a Dual Contribution
The coach further emphasized how fortunate the Nuggets are to have Valanciunas, both for his performance on the court and his leadership off it. “So, yeah, we got really lucky getting a backup center to go 7-7 [against the Kings], and we also got really lucky to have found another leader in our locker room; a guy that understands what this all is, and the marathon that this is, so, yeah, we’re blessed to have him.”
As the Nuggets continue to build on their early-season momentum, Valanciunas stands out not just as a player but as a vital source of energy and camaraderie, embodying the spirit that drives the team forward.
