Nikola Jokic’s backup center situation has been a persistent challenge for the Nuggets, now addressed with the acquisition of Jonas Valanciunas. Trade details reveal that Dario Saric left for Sacramento, making way for Valanciunas, who has a track record of reliable performance as a double-digit scorer and strong rebounder. The Nuggets’ previous attempts at finding Jokic’s backup saw various players, but inconsistency plagued their efforts. As Valanciunas steps in, the franchise hopes to close the performance gap between when Jokic is on and off the floor.
By the Numbers
- Valanciunas has started 91% of his 937 NBA game appearances.
- Jokic’s net rating differential when on the court has varied between 4.1 to 22.9 across seasons.
State of Play
- Valanciunas joins at a time when Jokic has historically struggled to maintain team performance in his absence.
- Recent backup centers included DeAndre Jordan and Dario Saric, without solid results.
What’s Next
As the season unfolds, the Nuggets will be assessing Valanciunas’s integration into their system, particularly how he can impact their net rating during Jokic’s rest minutes. This will be crucial for the team’s overall success and playoff positioning.
Bottom Line
The acquisition of Valanciunas is a strategic attempt by the Nuggets to resolve long-standing issues with backup center performance, aiming to bolster their chances of success when Jokic is not on the court.
