The Denver Nuggets are on a mission to lighten the load on Nikola Jokic this season, and their latest move might just be the solution. Last year, Jokic’s workload reached an unsustainable high. The three-time MVP played a career-best 36.7 minutes per game, often carrying the team single-handedly. His incredible stats—29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game—were overshadowed by the obvious toll it took on him. Even with those triple-double averages, Jokic showed signs of exhaustion as the season wore on. NBA journalist Rachel Nichols called it “unacceptable” for the Nuggets to rely on their star player so heavily, especially with the team faltering when he wasn’t on the floor.
But it’s not just the NBA season that takes a toll on Jokic. His recent performance in EuroBasket 2025 was a testament to how much his NBA workload affects his international play. Serbia’s shocking exit in the round of 16 showed that even the best can only do so much when their energy is spread too thin. Fortunately for the Nuggets, they may have found the perfect remedy in Jonas Valanciunas, a seasoned backup center who just made history in EuroBasket 2025.
Valanciunas Makes History with Elite EuroBasket Performance
While Lithuania’s run at EuroBasket 2025 ended with a quarterfinal loss to Greece, Jonas Valanciunas showed the world that he’s far from slowing down. In that game, Valanciunas exploded for 24 points and 15 rebounds, a performance that made history. This marked his sixth career EuroBasket game with 20 or more points and 10 or more rebounds—putting him in rare company. Only Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, and Andrei Kirilenko have reached that milestone in the past three decades.
Valanciunas’ achievement is a testament to his skill and consistency at the highest level. While he may not be a superstar in the traditional sense, his ability to deliver elite performances when it matters most makes him a valuable asset for the Nuggets.
How Valanciunas Can Solve Denver Nuggets Backup Center Problem
Valanciunas might not steal the spotlight like Jokic, but he provides exactly what the Nuggets need in a backup center—reliable production and solid leadership. Last season, between stints with the Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings, Valanciunas averaged 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds while shooting an impressive 50% from the field. His efficiency and rebounding were exactly what Denver needed to alleviate the burden on Jokic.
During EuroBasket, Valanciunas was even more efficient, posting 15.7 points and 6.7 rebounds while shooting a blazing 64.7% from the field. His performance during the tournament highlighted his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. For a Nuggets team looking for reliable minutes when Jokic is off the court, Valanciunas is a perfect fit.
A Game-Changer for the Denver Nuggets Rotation
With the addition of Valanciunas, Denver finally has the depth it desperately needed. Not only can Valanciunas provide steady play in the post, but his leadership and experience will be invaluable during the grueling regular season and postseason. His solid play in EuroBasket is a sign of what’s to come as he joins a team hungry for another deep playoff run.
The Nuggets now have a crucial weapon to ease the burden on Nikola Jokic. Whether it’s scoring, rebounding, or simply offering solid minutes, Jonas Valanciunas is poised to be the X-factor that makes Denver a stronger, more balanced team. With his help, the Nuggets may have found the answer to their workload issues, ensuring Jokic can stay fresh for the long haul.
Conclusion: The Nuggets’ Backup Center Solution
As the season begins, the pressure on Nikola Jokic should finally start to ease. With the addition of Jonas Valanciunas, Denver has secured a dependable option in the frontcourt who can hold down the fort during non-Jokic minutes. Whether he’s filling up the stat sheet or providing crucial leadership, Valanciunas is a valuable piece that could make all the difference in Denver’s quest for another title.
