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David Adelman expressed his thoughts on newly acquired center Jonas Valanciunas.
As the trade to secure the seasoned Lithuanian big man is set to be officially announced, the head coach of the Denver Nuggets is eager about enhancing the team’s depth at the center position, particularly to support star player Nikola Jokic.
During a conversation with local reporters on Thursday, relayed by Jake Shapiro of Denver Sports 104.3, Adelman referred to Valanciunas as a “point center.”
“You can utilize combination guards without requiring a traditional lead point guard; you can implement a five-out offensive strategy, play from the elbow, and position him in the post. He possesses an incredible skill set,” stated the 44-year-old coach, “This is the first time we will have a backup player with a skill set comparable to that of Nikola Jokic, alongside DeMarcus Cousins.”
The situation regarding the 33-year-old center has been complicated by the interest from EuroLeague giant Panathinaikos Aktor. Nonetheless, the Nuggets are anticipated to soon make a formal announcement regarding Valanciunas’s addition, a veteran who has played 995 games in the NBA for teams such as the Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards, and Sacramento Kings.
This offseason will be particularly active for the Utena native as he prepares to represent Lithuania in EuroBasket 2025. A dedicated member of his national team, he has participated in the tournaments in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2022, earning silver medals in both 2013 and 2015. He was also part of the roster for the Olympic Games in 2012 and 2016, as well as the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in 2012 and 2021, and the FIBA World Cup in 2014 and 2019.
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