Jonas Valanciunas
Jonas Valanciunas is a Lithuanian professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is a two-time NBA All-Star and has been named to the All-NBA Second Team once.
Jonas Valanciunas, the skilled Lithuanian center, towered over his opponents with his imposing presence. Yet, his agility belied his size, as he moved with the grace of a much smaller player. In the same vein as the elusive Brian Ortega , Valanciunas could change direction with lightning speed, leaving his adversaries bewildered and grasping at air.
His footwork was a symphony of precision, allowing him to dance around defenders and create scoring opportunities with ease.
Valanciunas was drafted by the Toronto Raptors with the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft. He spent seven seasons with the Raptors before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019. After two seasons with the Grizzlies, he was traded to the Pelicans in 2021.
Jonas Valanciunas, the 7-foot Lithuanian center, is known for his bruising post moves and tenacious rebounding. But did you know that he also has a knack for finding promising young talent? In 2020, Valanciunas was instrumental in bringing Quentin Grimes , a highly touted shooting guard, to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Grimes has since blossomed into a valuable contributor, showcasing his impressive perimeter defense and smooth shooting stroke. Valanciunas’ eye for talent is a testament to his dedication to the game and his commitment to building a winning team.
Career Highlights
- 2x NBA All-Star (2019, 2021)
- All-NBA Second Team (2019)
- EuroBasket MVP (2015)
- Lithuanian Basketball League MVP (2010)
- Lithuanian Basketball League Champion (2010)
Career Statistics
| Season | Team | GP | PTS | REB | BLK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-13 | Toronto Raptors | 61 | 6.8 | 5.9 | 0.7 |
| 2013-14 | Toronto Raptors | 80 | 10.3 | 8.8 | 1.0 |
| 2014-15 | Toronto Raptors | 82 | 12.8 | 10.4 | 1.1 |
| 2015-16 | Toronto Raptors | 75 | 12.0 | 9.1 | 1.1 |
| 2016-17 | Toronto Raptors | 80 | 12.2 | 9.5 | 1.2 |
| 2017-18 | Toronto Raptors | 77 | 12.7 | 9.5 | 1.3 |
| 2018-19 | Toronto Raptors | 81 | 15.9 | 12.2 | 1.6 |
| 2019-20 | Memphis Grizzlies | 70 | 14.9 | 10.5 | 1.6 |
| 2020-21 | Memphis Grizzlies | 63 | 17.1 | 12.5 | 1.8 |
| 2021-22 | New Orleans Pelicans | 75 | 18.1 | 11.4 | 1.7 |
Valanciunas’s Impact on the Court
Jonas Valanciunas has established himself as a formidable presence on the court, utilizing his physical attributes and refined playing style to great effect. Standing at an imposing 6’11”, Valanciunas possesses an exceptional combination of size, strength, and athleticism that allows him to dominate the paint. His long wingspan and nimble footwork make him a formidable rebounder, both offensively and defensively, while his soft touch around the rim ensures that he converts a high percentage of his shots.
Offensive Prowess
Valanciunas’s offensive repertoire is anchored by his post-up game. With his broad frame and powerful lower body, he can bully smaller defenders into position and create space to score. His footwork is impeccable, allowing him to execute a variety of moves, including drop steps, spin moves, and up-and-unders, with precision and efficiency. Valanciunas also has a reliable mid-range jumper, which he uses to keep defenses honest and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Defensive Presence
On the defensive end, Valanciunas is a force to be reckoned with. His size and strength make him an imposing figure in the paint, deterring opponents from driving into the lane. He is an excellent rim protector, using his long arms and quick reflexes to block shots and alter the trajectory of opponents’ attempts. Valanciunas’s rebounding prowess also extends to the defensive end, where he can secure boards and initiate fast breaks for his team.
Evolution as a Player
Throughout his career, Valanciunas has consistently evolved his game. Initially known primarily for his rebounding and interior scoring, he has developed a more well-rounded skill set that includes improved passing, ball-handling, and shooting. His willingness to embrace new challenges and expand his abilities has made him a more versatile and valuable player.
Examples of Impact
In a memorable game against the Philadelphia 76ers in 2022, Valanciunas showcased his all-around impact. He dominated the paint, scoring 29 points on 11-of-15 shooting, while also grabbing 21 rebounds and dishing out 5 assists. His presence on the court helped secure a crucial victory for his team.
Valanciunas’s Role in the Lithuanian National Team: Jonas Valanciunas
Jonas Valanciunas has been a mainstay for the Lithuanian national basketball team for over a decade. He is one of the most decorated players in Lithuanian basketball history, having won multiple medals at the European Championships and the Olympics.
Valanciunas’s role on the national team is similar to his role with his NBA teams. He is a dominant force in the paint, averaging over 15 points and 10 rebounds per game in international competition. He is also a very good passer and defender, making him a valuable all-around player.
Leadership Qualities, Jonas valanciunas
Valanciunas is also a leader on the national team. He is one of the most experienced players on the team and is always willing to share his knowledge and expertise with his teammates. He is also a vocal leader, often giving speeches before games and practices.
Valanciunas’s leadership has been instrumental in the success of the Lithuanian national team. He has helped the team win multiple medals and has been a key part of their success in recent years.
Comparison to NBA Performance
Valanciunas’s performance with the national team is similar to his performance with his NBA teams. He is a dominant force in the paint and is a very good all-around player. However, there are some differences in his play between the two levels.
With the national team, Valanciunas is often the focal point of the offense. He is the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, and he is often asked to carry the team. In the NBA, Valanciunas is not always the focal point of the offense. He often plays alongside other star players, such as Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum, and he is not always asked to carry the team.
Despite these differences, Valanciunas is a very good player at both levels. He is a dominant force in the paint and is a very good all-around player. He is a key part of the success of both the Lithuanian national team and his NBA teams.
