The Denver Nuggets have taken significant steps to strengthen their roster for the 2024-25 NBA season, focusing primarily on enhancing their center depth behind Nikola Jokic. Their offseason move to acquire Lithuanian big man Jonas Valanciunas was viewed as a direct solution to their previous weakness at the position. However, uncertainty arose when reports surfaced about Valanciunas potentially signing with a Greek team, casting doubt on his participation with Denver.
Concerns Over Valanciunas’ Commitment to the Nuggets
While players often transition to overseas teams when their NBA careers wane, Jonas Valanciunas remains a productive presence in the league. Valanciunas posted averages of 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game last season, playing 20 minutes on average. Udonis Haslem, a veteran of the Miami Heat, publicly emphasized that Valanciunas still has what it takes to compete at the NBA level and should honor his contract with the Nuggets.
[Jonas Valanciunas] was trying to haul his a** to Europe, but he can’t go nowhere,
Haslem said on The OGs.
Man averaged around 12 and 8 in 16 minutes last year. You’ve got to come here, boy.
—Udonis Haslem, Former NBA Player
Valanciunas to Provide Crucial Support for Jokic
The Nuggets have never had a backup big of Valanciunas’ caliber to relieve Nikola Jokic, especially since Jokic’s rise to stardom. During Denver’s 2023 championship run, DeAndre Jordan served as the primary backup center, but the team clearly sought more reliable reinforcement this offseason.
As great as Joker is, man, he averaged about 40 minutes a game in the playoffs last year. That’s too much for anybody. So you bring somebody in, and even though [Jokic] comes out of the game, you don’t have to worry about anything. [Valanciunas] is going to hold his ground,
Haslem predicted.
Team Leadership Reaffirms Valanciunas’ Role for Next Season
The Nuggets’ front office remains firm on Valanciunas fulfilling his role with Denver. When questioned about Valanciunas starting the season with the team, Ben Tenzer, Vice President of Basketball Operations, responded decisively.
Yes, absolutely, Tenzer stated on Denver’s Altitude Sports Radio.
Though Valanciunas has yet to address the situation publicly, the Nuggets are confident in his availability and contribution as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Additional Moves Strengthen the Nuggets’ Supporting Cast
Beyond Valanciunas, Denver has also bolstered its lineup by acquiring Cam Johnson and Tim Hardaway Jr., as well as re-signing Bruce Brown. These additions, combined with Valanciunas’ presence, aim to provide a well-rounded supporting group for Jokic, enhancing the chances to defend their championship title effectively.