Denver Nuggets Coach Talks About New Backup for Nikola Jokic
Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman shared his thoughts on the team’s recent acquisition of Jonas Valanciunas, who will serve as a backup to reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. This offseason, the Nuggets made a surprising move, trading Dario Saric to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Valanciunas. However, the deal was quickly overshadowed by reports suggesting that Valanciunas had intentions of leaving the NBA to play in Greece.
Despite this, the Nuggets are determined to keep the veteran center, and if he decides to leave the NBA, the team would need to release him from his contract—a move they do not plan on making.
Should Valanciunas stay, his presence will provide the Nuggets with significant depth behind Jokic. Valanciunas, a starting-caliber center, offers a great insurance policy for Denver’s championship run, especially considering his ability to step in as a starter when Jokic is unavailable.
Coach Adelman spoke positively about Valanciunas’ addition, highlighting his versatility and skill set. “You can play through him,” Adelman said, emphasizing Valanciunas’ ability to handle the ball, execute dribble hand-offs, and post up against smaller lineups. “He’s a guy those guards can play through. On the nights Nikola doesn’t play, you have a legitimate starting center that we just happen to be lucky enough to have as our backup.”
Adelman expressed excitement about having such a reliable option off the bench and is eager for Valanciunas to join the team. “We’re super blessed to get him. Cannot wait for him to get to the United States, get to Denver. We’re so excited to have him.”
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