Nuggets Journal: With Jonas Valanciunas likely destined for Denver, David Adelman envisions another point center

Nuggets coach David Adelman envisions newly acquired center Jonas Valanciunas playing a "point center" role for Denver next season, replicating some of Nikola Jokic's function as an offensive hub. Adelman expressed this during an ESPN Summer League broadcast, believing Valanciunas's skill set allows the team to play combo guards without a traditional lead point guard, utilize five-out offense, operate from the elbow, and post him up, while also noting his underrated shooting ability.

Despite Valanciunas expressing strong interest in an offer from Greek EuroLeague club Panathinaikos coinciding with the Nuggets trading for him on July 1st, league sources indicate the Nuggets expect him to honor his NBA contract. The Nuggets were initially unaware of the European offer, which jeopardized their backup center plans shortly after free agency began. Valanciunas himself stated he plans to travel to Denver once the trade is official.

While the Nuggets had financial incentives to proceed with the trade (sending out Dario Saric's $5.4 million salary) even if Valanciunas didn't join, as his forfeiture of his $10.4 million salary would have saved them cap space, all signs now point to him being with the team for the 2025-26 season. Adelman's outlined role further solidifies this expectation.

Adelman's vision aligns with the Nuggets' offseason moves to acquire more secondary ball-handlers like Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr., who aren't traditional point guards, alongside existing players Julian Strawther and Christian Braun. While Valanciunas (6-foot-11) isn't known for tight ball-handling, the Nuggets plan to limit his dribbling by running actions like dribble handoffs through him on the perimeter or playing off him at the elbow.

Regarding Valanciunas's jump shot, which he is willing to use, the summary notes a caveat: Denver shouldn't over-rely on his three-point shooting. His three-point percentage over the last two seasons stands at 28.7%, suggesting his effectiveness is more reliable in the midrange.