“He’s such a skilled player. … He shoots the ball better than most people realize. So that’s how I envision him. I think you have multiple combination guards. You can get away with that with a guy like that.” The Nuggets’ head coach, David Adelman, explained how well Jonas Valančiūnas can fit in his system. Earlier this month, when the Lithuanian was traded to Denver to serve as a perfect backup big man for Nikola Jokić, it seemed like their years of waiting were finally over. However, the recent developments have complicated the matter after Valančiūnas visited Greece and now has a $13 million contract on the table.

Still, the Nuggets remain confident the veteran center will honor his NBA contract despite the interest from Panathinaikos BC, one of the historically greatest teams in Europe. While the Nuggets are not too worried about Valančiūnas’ stance, it’s the Warriors that can worsen things for Jokic’s team. The recent episode of the DNVR Nuggets Podcast saw Marc Stein and Adam Mares touch base on Jonas Valančiūnas’ situation. Marc Stein highlighted how some people, when discussing whether to acquire Jonas or not, said, “let him go. We’ll unlock the mid-level. We’ll go get Al Horford”. 

The renowned reporter highlighted that Al Horford is “technically available,” since he hasn’t yet officially committed to a team. However, by now, it is reportedly common knowledge amongst the other 29 teams that Horford is most likely to end up in Golden State. And if Jonas ends up in Athens and Horford in the Bay Area, the Nuggets will be back to square one, per Stein. “So even if the Nuggets said, ‘You know what, Jonas, go back to Europe. You’re good. We’re going to move on.’ They don’t have someone to pivot to. They don’t have a shot at Horford. So, unlocking the mid-level doesn’t do them any good,” said Stein.

For the Dubs, adding a veteran big man like Al Horford could play a big role in improving the team for the better. Sure, he celebrated his 39th birthday last month. However, by keeping the age factor aside, one cannot ignore that Horford brings a blend of experience, leadership, and playoff knowledge, having reached the postseason in 16 of his 18 seasons. Even Stephen Curry endorsed his potential acquisition by the Warriors, stating that “He’s a champion, great player. When… if, when all that stuff happens, I’ll talk about it”.

Unfortunately, the Bay Area franchise acquiring Al Horford creates an issue for the Denver Nuggets. If Jonas decides to head to Greece, then the Denver Nuggets will have neither him nor Horford to make an offer. It would leave them with zero viable options. “There is no center as good as Valančiūnas for them to get. So like I said, I am sure Panathinaikos still wants him. Maybe there are people in Valančiūnas’ life who would like him to go to Greece. Maybe Valančiūnas himself, deep down, would rather go back to Europe than stay in the NBA” Marc Stein added. “All I’m saying is I want to hear Valančiūnas say that. I don’t want to listen to the owner of a team in Greece that wants him”.

From the way things are going, the Denver Nuggets might end up without a viable option. This just goes on to show the effect one man can have on the future of big-name franchises. After all, the Nuggets might not have been in this situation if it weren’t for the player’s agent.

Jonas Valančiūnas’ Agent Misled Panathinaikos on Nuggets Release

The sudden interest by a Greek Club in Jonas Valančiūnas raised some eyebrows. Sure, it isn’t weird for European clubs to go after players originating from the same continent. However, Jonas Valančiūnas is 33 years old and is capable of contributing to the NBA for quite a few years more. As it turns out, Panathinaikos B.C.’s interest originated thanks to the player’s agent spreading some alleged misinformation.

According to Greek media outlet ‘Sports DNA’, Panathinaikos reportedly “had the guarantee from the Lithuanian player’s agent—who is not actively involved in the player’s NBA team negotiations—that Denver would definitely release him”. Denver Sports later reported that Nuggets team president Josh Kroenke and other members of the front office weren’t happy when they heard the Valanciunas’ agent “guaranteed” his release from the Nuggets without even talking to them first!

As of now, it has not been made clear which agent is responsible for this blunder. After all, both Michael Tellem and Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management currently represent Valančiūnas. Tellem primarily represents European candidates, while Schwartz represents both Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Whoever made the decision, however, is in big trouble!

After 2 years of just reaching the Conference Semi-Finals and then getting eliminated, the Denver Nuggets squad wants to see themselves progress. Whether that will happen with Jonas Valančiūnas or not is something that remains to be seen.