Jonas Valanciunas Already Proving to Be Denver’s Most Impactful Offseason Move
For years, the Denver Nuggets have struggled to find a reliable backup center—a weakness that’s cost them dearly. But early signs suggest that Jonas Valanciunas might finally be the answer. Even in preseason action, his presence has transformed the team’s bench minutes, allowing Denver to maintain offensive rhythm when Nikola Jokic rests. The added frontcourt flexibility is a welcome shift.
Denver’s inability to field a capable reserve big behind Jokic has long been a problem. The team consistently faltered when he sat, leading to unnecessary losses and placing an unsustainable burden on their superstar. That overreliance has likely contributed to the Nuggets’ fatigue and second-round playoff exits in consecutive seasons.
Valanciunas: The Best Backup of the Jokic Era
This offseason, Denver didn’t just patch the hole—they filled it with a seasoned veteran who shares some of Jokic’s skill set. While Valanciunas isn’t Jokic, he brings enough playmaking, scoring, and rebounding to keep the offense humming. Compared to previous backups, his impact is night and day.
Valanciunas gives the Nuggets a fighting chance during non-Jokic minutes and offers the luxury of resting their MVP without fear of collapse. He’s also capable of stepping into a starting role when needed, giving Denver depth and durability across the regular season.
Double-Big Lineups Add New Tactical Dimension
Beyond his role as a backup, Valanciunas opens the door to intriguing lineup possibilities. Head coach David Adelman has already experimented with pairing him alongside Jokic, unleashing a physically dominant duo that few teams can match.
This twin-tower setup creates matchup nightmares and forces opponents to rethink their defensive schemes. The combination of size, skill, and versatility between Jokic and Valanciunas gives Denver a fresh arsenal of strategies and styles.
With Valanciunas in the fold, the Nuggets are more dynamic, more resilient, and better equipped to contend. His arrival marks a turning point—and Denver fans have every reason to be excited.
