Nuggets Eye Jonas Valanciunas as Backup Center Despite Uncertainty Surrounding NBA Future….read more….
The Denver Nuggets are preparing to enter the 2025-26 NBA season with a slightly different look in their frontcourt rotation. Amid swirling speculation about his long-term NBA future, veteran center Jonas Valanciunas is expected to serve as the primary backup to two-time MVP Nikola Jokić. The move signals Denver’s focus on strengthening its interior depth, while also betting on Valanciunas to provide leadership and production in limited minutes.
After parting ways with DeAndre Jordan and letting Zeke Nnaji test free agency, the Nuggets were in the market for an experienced big man who could hold his own in the paint, particularly in minutes when Jokić rests. Valanciunas, who was traded by the New Orleans Pelicans earlier this summer and subsequently bought out, emerged as a prime candidate. Now with Denver, his role is clearly defined — anchoring the second unit and mentoring younger players while bolstering a championship-caliber roster.
At 33 years old, Valanciunas is no longer the 30-minute-per-game double-double machine he once was. However, his skill set still holds value in today’s NBA — especially for a contending team in need of size, toughness, and rebounding. He averaged 12.5 points and 8.8 rebounds last season with the Pelicans, shooting 55.9% from the field in just over 24 minutes per game. While he’s not the fleetest defender in space, his physicality in the paint, efficient scoring, and screen-setting can help stabilize Denver’s bench unit, which struggled with consistency in 2024-25.
Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth expressed confidence in the signing during Summer League in Las Vegas earlier this month.
“Jonas gives us something we’ve been missing — a dependable veteran big who can impact the game in multiple ways,” Booth said. “We know what Nikola brings every night, but it’s crucial we don’t see a major drop-off when he sits. Jonas can be that stabilizing presence.”
Valanciunas’s arrival does more than just fill a positional hole. His presence could influence the development of Denver’s young bigs, including Peyton Watson and rookie second-round pick Yohan Traoré. Both are expected to earn minutes this season, and working alongside a player with over a decade of NBA and international experience could accelerate their learning curves.
Still, Valanciunas’s status is not without questions. His buyout from the Pelicans was interpreted by some insiders as a sign he could explore a return to Europe. Teams like Barcelona and Fenerbahçe reportedly expressed interest, and Valanciunas did not dismiss the idea when asked about it earlier this offseason.
“I’ve always loved the game no matter where it’s played,” he said in May. “There’s a time for everything. I’ve had great experiences in the NBA, but I also have roots in Europe. I’ll see where things go.”
For now, he’s committed to Denver, and the organization is treating the partnership as more than a short-term rental. Sources familiar with the negotiations said the Nuggets see Valanciunas as a possible two-year contributor, especially if the team continues to contend for championships. His experience in the playoffs, though limited in recent years, remains a valuable commodity. He’s played in 53 postseason games, including multiple deep runs with the Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies.
Teammates are already expressing excitement. Jokić, known for his understated yet astute observations, reportedly welcomed the move, calling Valanciunas “a smart player who knows how to fit in.” Head coach Michael Malone echoed that sentiment.
“We want to be more physical and consistent off the bench,” Malone said during his press availability. “Jonas helps us in both those areas. He’s a pro’s pro — he knows his role, and he’s ready to do whatever is asked of him.”
While Denver’s championship window remains open, the margin for error in the stacked Western Conference has tightened. The rise of teams like Oklahoma City and Minnesota, along with perennial threats like Phoenix and the Lakers, means every rotation spot matters. With Jokić often shouldering the offensive and defensive burden, finding productive minutes without him on the court becomes increasingly vital.
Valanciunas might not be a game-changer at this stage, but if he can contribute 15 solid minutes a night — providing screens, post scoring, and second-chance opportunities — he could help preserve Jokić’s energy and extend Denver’s postseason aspirations.
There are, however, stylistic concerns. The Nuggets’ offense is predicated on motion, ball movement, and spacing — areas where Valanciunas isn’t naturally aligned. His plodding style and lack of perimeter shooting may require schematic adjustments. Yet Denver has shown a capacity to adapt, especially with Jokić’s high-IQ facilitating rubbing off on teammates.
One front office executive from a rival Western team shared a cautiously optimistic take: “Jonas isn’t the perfect fit for Denver’s system, but they don’t need him to be. They need 12-15 good minutes, physicality, and veteran composure. He can absolutely give them that.”
Financially, the Nuggets secured Valanciunas on a veteran minimum deal, minimizing the risk. With salary cap pressure from max contracts given to Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr., affordable contributors like Valanciunas are essential for roster sustainability.
For Valanciunas, the move offers a fresh start and a chance to chase the elusive NBA title. In his 13th season, he understands that time is ticking, and he’s embracing a role that aligns with both his current ability and the team’s lofty goals.
“I’m not here to be a star,” Valanciunas said during his informal introductory media session. “I’m here to win, help my teammates, and play hard every night. That’s what matters.”
As training camp approaches, Denver’s front office is likely not finished shaping the roster. But in securing a seasoned and reliable backup center, they’ve taken a meaningful step toward fortifying their bench for another deep postseason run. Whether Valanciunas ends his NBA journey with a championship or returns to Europe remains to be seen — but for
now, he’s exactly where he wants to be.
