After a lot of questions and twists and turns, Jonas Valanciunas is coming to the Denver Nuggets.
The Lithuanian center could provide a ton of frontcourt support for the team, and head coach David Adelman is really excited to see what he does.
Speaking with Katy Winge, Adelman praised Valanciunas and made it clear that he has big plans for him.
“Jonas [Valanciunas] is a guy you can post-up against smaller lineups. He’s a proficient player down there. Very good dribble hand-off player. He’s a guy those guards can play through. On the nights Nikola doesn’t play, you have a legitimate starting center that we just happen to be lucky enough to have as our backup,” Adelman said
Coach Adelman on the Nuggets adding Jonas Valančiūnas:
“On the nights Nikola doesn’t play, you have a legitimate starting center that we just happen to be lucky enough to have as our backup.” pic.twitter.com/DRRa7t7PXX
— Katy Winge (@katywinge) July 16, 2025
Valanciunas has a whole bag of tricks that could help the Nuggets.
For years, Nikola Jokic has been carrying a heavy load for his team, but now he will have more help, and Valanciunas could be a huge difference-maker.
The deal for him was announced a few weeks ago, but it was thrown into disarray when rumors about Valanciunas playing overseas popped up.
Now the dust has settled, and he is remaining in the NBA, at least for now.
Last season was inconsistent for the Nuggets, and many people said that Jokic was the only reliable part of the team.
Perhaps Valanciunas will bring more consistency and someone who can reliably play night after night, either in the starting five or off the bench.
Jokic will still be a huge part of the team, but Valanciunas might allow him to rest more, and that could be vital for the team’s success next season.
NEXT: Jonas Valanciunas Has Decided On His Jersey Number With Nuggets
