Jonas Valanciunas
Jonas Valanciunas is a Lithuanian professional basketball player who plays for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A skilled center, Valanciunas is known for his rebounding, post-up play, and defensive presence.
Jonas Valanciunas was drafted by the Toronto Raptors with the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft. He spent seven seasons with the Raptors, averaging 12.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. During his time in Toronto, Valanciunas helped the team reach the Eastern Conference Finals in 2016.
In 2019, Valanciunas was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He spent two seasons with the Grizzlies, averaging 15.1 points and 11.4 rebounds per game. In 2021, Valanciunas was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Valanciunas has been named to the All-NBA Second Team once and the All-NBA Third Team twice. He has also been named to the Lithuanian National Team.
NBA Career Highlights
Valanciunas has had a successful NBA career, averaging 12.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. He has been named to the All-NBA Second Team once and the All-NBA Third Team twice. Valanciunas has also helped his teams reach the playoffs several times.
Season-by-Season Statistics
The following table shows Valanciunas’ season-by-season statistics in the NBA:
| Season | Team | GP | PTS | REB | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-13 | Toronto Raptors | 61 | 6.9 | 4.4 | .514 |
| 2013-14 | Toronto Raptors | 75 | 10.3 | 6.0 | .521 |
| 2014-15 | Toronto Raptors | 80 | 12.8 | 8.6 | .553 |
| 2015-16 | Toronto Raptors | 75 | 12.3 | 9.1 | .544 |
| 2016-17 | Toronto Raptors | 77 | 12.5 | 9.5 | .564 |
| 2017-18 | Toronto Raptors | 80 | 12.7 | 8.6 | .551 |
| 2018-19 | Toronto Raptors | 69 | 12.7 | 8.9 | .546 |
| 2019-20 | Memphis Grizzlies | 70 | 15.1 | 11.4 | .537 |
| 2020-21 | Memphis Grizzlies | 72 | 15.1 | 11.4 | .547 |
| 2021-22 | New Orleans Pelicans | 81 | 13.6 | 11.4 | .558 |
Impact on Teams
Valanciunas has had a positive impact on every team he has played for. He is a skilled rebounder and defender, and he can also score in the post. Valanciunas has helped his teams reach the playoffs several times, and he has been a key contributor to their success.
Jonas Valanciunas
Jonas Valanciunas, the Lithuanian center, has established himself as a force both on the international stage and in the NBA. His contributions to the Lithuanian national basketball team have been instrumental in their success, solidifying his status as a leader and role model within the Lithuanian basketball community.
International Career and Impact
Valanciunas has been a cornerstone of the Lithuanian national basketball team, leading them to a silver medal at the 2013 EuroBasket and a bronze medal at the 2015 EuroBasket. His dominance in the paint and ability to stretch the floor with his shooting have made him a formidable opponent. Valanciunas’ leadership and experience have also been invaluable, guiding the younger players on the team and setting an example of hard work and dedication.
The experience gained through international competitions has significantly impacted Valanciunas’ NBA career. Playing against top-tier competition has honed his skills and forced him to adapt to different playing styles. The international exposure has also boosted his confidence and leadership abilities, which have translated into his performances with the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans.
Jonas Valanciunas
Jonas Valanciunas: Playing Style and Impact
Jonas Valanciunas is a Lithuanian professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing at 6’11” and weighing 265 pounds, he is a skilled center known for his physicality, rebounding prowess, and efficient scoring in the paint.
Valanciunas’ playing style is characterized by his strong post moves and ability to finish at the rim. He is a physical presence in the paint, using his size and strength to create space and score over defenders. Valanciunas has a soft touch around the basket and is adept at converting high-percentage shots, making him a reliable scorer for his team.
On the defensive end, Valanciunas is a solid rebounder and rim protector. He has a knack for positioning himself well and using his length to contest shots and grab rebounds. Valanciunas is also a good communicator and leader on the court, often directing his teammates and helping them stay organized.
In comparison to other notable centers in the NBA, Valanciunas is similar to players like Nikola Vucevic and Brook Lopez in terms of their size, physicality, and scoring ability in the post. However, Valanciunas stands out for his exceptional rebounding skills and defensive presence, making him a valuable asset to any team.
Jonas Valančiūnas, the Lithuanian center, had a breakout season with the Memphis Grizzlies last year, averaging 19.9 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. However, the Grizzlies have been shopping Valančiūnas in a potential Paul George trade , as they look to add more talent to their young roster.
Valančiūnas is a skilled big man who can score inside and out, and he would be a valuable addition to any team.
Jonas Valanciunas, the towering Lithuanian center, has proven his worth in the NBA with his physicality and rebounding prowess. His impressive performances have caught the attention of many teams, including the Paul George Lakers. However, Valanciunas remains committed to his current team, showcasing his loyalty and determination on the court.
