The Denver Nuggets are reportedly very satisfied with how backup center Jonas Valanciunas has performed in the early part of the season, according to Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post.
His presence has allowed the team to give Nikola Jokic more rest without losing control of games.
In Wednesday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans, head coach David Adelman was able to sit Jokic for nearly eight and a half minutes during the second quarter – a stretch in which Denver actually extended its lead, thanks in part to Valanciunas’s impact.
“To have different guys and have different energy, I like that,” Jokic said after the game. “(Valanciunas) is definitely a threat down (low). The guy can score, and he’s big and dominant down there. He’s getting people to collapse on him, and he’s a really good passer. So, it’s definitely an advantage for us.”
Valanciunas made his presence felt, contributing 10 points, six rebounds, and three assists in just 14 minutes of play. His strong interior game and ability to facilitate from the post have already made a difference for Denver’s second unit.
Aaron Gordon echoed Jokic’s praise, emphasizing how seamlessly Valanciunas fits into the team’s system.
“‘Big Val’ is nice, you know?” Gordon said. “He’s certified. He’s just really, really, really, really good. So there’s not a huge drop-off. He’s just smart. Knows his game. Knows his spots. He’s bigger than every other matchup he has on him.
“And he settles down that second unit. When things get stymied or we can’t find a bucket, you can play through Big Val, just like how we play through ‘Joker.’”
Nuggets Notes: Valanciunas, Jordan, Jokic, Murray https://t.co/XpcxwrBEdr pic.twitter.com/TQCMRNGyEV
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) October 31, 2025
