„Let’s start with the fact that the Lithuanian was undoubtedly Nikola Jokić’s favorite backup in the club since Mason Plumlee left in December 2020,“ highlighted the commentator about the Utena native’s traits.
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– No other – only pleasant conversations throughout the JV period here.“
However, the „Denver Post“ immediately added that „the decision to say goodbye was easy.“ And explained why.
First of all, the tricky financial situation of the „Nuggets“ was emphasized – the club exceeds the salary cap and not only faces huge luxury taxes but may also be restricted in other moves (trades, rookie calls, etc.) if expenses are not reduced.
„J. Valančiūnas’ release helped save about 10 million USD,“ emphasized S. Keeler, moving on to evaluate the Lithuanian’s play.
„JV was probably the slowest of N. Jokić’s backups since the same M. Plumlee era. In winter, fighting the strongest Western Conference teams, it was painful to see him lagging behind others,“ explained the „Denver Post“ journalist, also providing statistics.
„In the second half of the season clashes with the Oklahoma City Thunder, in February–March, when the Thunder dominated, J. Valančiūnas’ impact on the game* was respectively -13, -120, and -62.1.
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- * – refers to „Net Rating“. This indicator is calculated considering how the team’s offense and defense (per 100 possessions) change when the player in question is on the court.
With the San Antonio Spurs until April 10 – -10, -71.8, and -30.6, and with the Minnesota Timberwolves – respectively -4.7, -11, -34.8, and -71.4.
This is why, at least partly, J. Valančiūnas’ minutes decreased at the end of last season. In February, he played 13.3 minutes, in March – 8.6,“ explained S. Keeler.
However, not forgetting the good stretch of the Lithuanian: „He is one of the reasons why the Nuggets did not fall off track when N. Jokić was out for a month.“
„A year ago, it seemed that the N. Jokić and J. Valančiūnas duo would create nightmares for opponents, but reality showed challenges for the Nuggets coaching staff themselves,“ summarized the „Denver Post“ commentator.
He gave J. Valančiūnas’ career stage in Denver a „C minus“. In the ten-point grading system common in Lithuania, this would correspond to a three.
