The Denver Nuggets will continue their aggressive free agency approach with multiple big hit moves.
The franchise began by trading Michael Porter Jr. for Brooklyn in exchange for Cam Johnson, and re-signed versatile guard Bruce Brown, who brings championship experience.
But their most interesting acquisitions include making Jonas Valanshanas the backup center for Nicola Jokic. The Lithuanian big man had previously piled up massive praise for the Serbian superstar.
The Nuggets acquired Valanciuna in the deal that sent Dario Salic to Sacramento, addressing the desperate need for a reliable non-Yokittic portion.
Valanciunas will bring legitimate production as a backup center with an average of 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists while splitting time between Sacramento and Washington last season.
Veteran Center basketball intelligence and passing ability provide him with the qualification to operate within the Denver system.
Unlike traditional backup centers, Valanciunas understands the principles of floor spacing and ball movement that define the Nuggets’ identity.
The signature is even more convincing, taking into account Valanciunas’ previous comments on Jokic’s exceptional talent.
The Lithuanian centre praised his championship performance, calling the Serbs an unusual talent.
“Great player, unique. People like him are born once every 100 years. Last season, he became MVP and took the ring, what he was like in the NBA league and the whole world, especially in the finals,” Valanciunas said months after the Denver championship.
He continued his praise for highlighting the impact of Jokic on his center position. “He continues to live in the center’s position and shows how important it is not only in the current center, but also in basketball around the world. He’s a one-man show.”
Valanciunas has praised him from afar and has said, “I have the opportunity to experience the greatness of playing with Nikola Jokic.
The Nuggets also signed Sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr., who enjoyed a comeback campaign with the Detroit Pistons.
Hardaway averaged 11 points per game, providing the desperately needed bed spacing at Denver intervals, shooting 36.8% from the 3-point range.
These additions dismiss the idea of trading him by creating the depth and filming necessary to support Jokic’s championship window. The combination of veteran experiences and proven playoff performers brings Denver to position himself among his Western Conference favourites.