UPDATE: The Denver Nuggets have made a significant roster move, trading Dario Saric to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Jonas Valanciunas, a deal that is already yielding impressive results. Just last night, Valanciunas showcased his skills with 15 points on a flawless 7-for-7 shooting night, contributing to a dominant victory over the Kings.
This trade, executed in July, is proving to be a game-changer for Denver as they search for reliable support behind their star center, Nikola Jokic. Valanciunas is not just fitting in; he is thriving in his new role, having already played in all 24 games this season—over 150% of Saric’s total appearances as a Nugget last year.
During a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback against Atlanta on December 5, 2023, Jokic was seen energized from the bench, celebrating Valanciunas’ powerful dunks, a moment that highlighted the chemistry developing among the team. “Everybody had a little moment,” Jokic remarked afterward, underscoring the positive vibe surrounding the Nuggets.
Valanciunas, now averaging 8.5 points in 12.8 minutes per game, is demonstrating a scoring efficiency that has not been seen since his rookie season. His per-36-minute scoring rate of 23.9 points ranks among the top of his career, indicating he is ready to take on a larger role when needed.
The Nuggets’ decision to move Saric, who struggled last season and played only 16 games, has proven smart. Saric was under contract for $5.4 million this season, but his lack of contribution pushed the Nuggets to seek alternatives. With the Kings looking to clear cap space, they willingly accepted Saric’s expiring contract, allowing Denver to acquire Valanciunas without sacrificing any draft picks.
This trade also reflects the strategic vision of the Nuggets’ new front office, aiming to bolster the team’s depth while maintaining their competitive edge. Coach David Adelman emphasized the need for strong bench play, and Valanciunas is delivering. The team’s net rating when Jokic is off the floor has improved significantly, now sitting at -1.5 compared to last season’s -9.3.
As the Nuggets continue their season, Valanciunas’ impact is undeniable. The team views him as a starter contributing minutes off the bench, and his buy-in to this role speaks volumes about his commitment to winning. With the playoffs on the horizon, maintaining Jokic’s health and stamina is crucial, and Valanciunas appears poised to help in that regard.
The Nuggets will look to build on this momentum as they face off against the Kings again in their next matchup, where both teams will be eager to establish dominance. With Valanciunas stepping up, fans are starting to believe that this could be a pivotal season for the Denver Nuggets.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.