The Denver Nuggets have found a significant boost in their performance following the trade that brought Jonas Valanciunas to the team in exchange for Dario Saric. This move, executed in July, has yielded impressive results early in the season, with Valanciunas quickly establishing himself as a key contributor.
During a recent game against the Sacramento Kings, Valanciunas demonstrated his impact by scoring 15 points on a perfect shooting night, helping the Nuggets secure a commanding 31-point victory. This performance highlighted his ability to complement superstar Nikola Jokic, even when Jokic himself was not directly involved in the play.
Valanciunas’s arrival has been particularly notable given the struggles the Nuggets faced last season with Saric as their backup center. Saric only appeared in 16 games, failing to provide the necessary support for Jokic. In contrast, Valanciunas has played in all 24 games this season, already surpassing Saric’s total output during his tenure with Denver.
Trade Dynamics and Immediate Impact
The trade was a strategic move for the Nuggets, who were in need of a reliable backup center. The acquisition of Valanciunas required them to trade away Saric’s expiring contract. Saric, who had been on a $5.2 million salary, was unable to contribute effectively, leading Denver to pivot to DeAndre Jordan as Plan B. The Sacramento Kings, looking to free up cap space, accepted Saric’s contract, allowing the Nuggets to secure Valanciunas without sacrificing any draft picks.
Valanciunas’s statistics further illustrate his value. He is averaging 8.5 points in 12.8 minutes per game, with a per 36-minute scoring rate of 23.9 points, the second-highest of his career outside of the 2018-19 season. His shooting accuracy is impressive as well, with a field goal percentage of 58.9% and 61.1% on two-pointers. He has also excelled in post-up situations, ranking among the most efficient scorers in the league.
Coach David Adelman has emphasized the importance of having a reliable player like Valanciunas on the bench. The Nuggets’ net rating when Jokic is off the floor has significantly improved, going from minus-9.3 last season to minus-1.5 this season. This change reflects the stability that Valanciunas brings to the team.
Long-term Implications and Future Prospects
Valanciunas’s presence on the team is not just about immediate contributions; it also plays a crucial role in the Nuggets’ long-term strategy. The team aims to keep Jokic physically and mentally fresh as they navigate the regular season. Valanciunas’s ability to perform under pressure and provide consistent minutes is vital to achieving this goal.
As the season progresses, the Nuggets will continue to rely on Valanciunas’s experience and skill set. At 33 years old, he has expressed a strong desire to pursue an NBA championship, making this season a pivotal opportunity for him. His adaptation to a backup role has been commendable, and the Nuggets have benefited from his willingness to contribute to the team’s success.
The recent matchup against the Kings was the final game between the two teams this season, and it served as a microcosm of the Nuggets’ current trajectory. With Valanciunas stepping up and delivering alongside Jokic, the Nuggets are positioned to make a strong run this season. As they continue to build on their early success, the impact of the Valanciunas trade will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
