The Denver Nuggets have been operating quietly but aggressively this offseason. After a disappointing second-round exit and a demanding workload on Nikola Jokic’s shoulders, the defending 2023 champions had one priority. Find a reliable big man to support their MVP. That solution just became official. And it couldn’t have come at a better time, and not just because of on-court needs. But because of the growing discourse surrounding modern NBA bigs, sparked recently by a certain dominant Hall of Famer who’s never afraid to say what’s on his mind.

The Nuggets’ front office, coaching staff, and players are fully aware of the load Jokic carries. In a summer full of trade chatter and European drama, Denver made a controversial but calculated move. Trading Dario Saric to the Sacramento Kings to acquire Jonas Valanciunas. That deal raised eyebrows, especially after Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos attempted to lure the Lithuanian big man back to Europe with a multi-year offer. But Denver isn’t letting him go. And now, head coach David Adelman has spoken publicly about why.

In a recent clip shared by Katie Winge on Twitter, Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman praised the addition of Jonas Valančiūnas to the team, drawing a comparison to a past success story. Adelman referenced how impactful DeMarcus Cousins was for the Nuggets during the second half of his stint with the team, implying that Valančiūnas has the potential to bring a similar dynamic to Denver’s rotation.

“I think people forget how good DeMarcus Cousins was for us that second half of that season. Jonas is a guy you can post up against smaller lineups. He’s a proficient player… He’s just a guy those guards can play through.”Adelman also pointed out Valančiūnas’s ability to execute dribble handoffs and operate from the elbows, making him a player that guards can effectively run offense through. 

The key point, though, was Adelman’s emphasis on Valančiūnas being a “legitimate starting center” — someone who could easily start for many NBA teams, but in Denver, will serve as Nikola Jokić’s backup. Adelman concluded by expressing how fortunate the Nuggets are to have Valančiūnas in that role, and that the team is eagerly anticipating his arrival in the United States and in Denver. The Nuggets see Valanciunas not just as an insurance policy for Jokic but as a game-shaping presence for the second unit. 

Despite speculation about his EuroLeague temptation, the organization expects him to report to training camp and honor the $10.4 million contract for the 2025-26 season. With a non-guaranteed $10 million on the table for 2026-27, both sides know a strong campaign will define his role and future. Coach Adelman even referred to Valanciunas as a potential “point center,” a surprising label for someone with just 1.4 assists per game over a 937-game career. 

But Adelman sees him as a player who can operate from key positions in the half-court and initiate offense, especially in Denver’s five-out sets and dribble handoff actions. This move gives Denver something they haven’t had since Boogie Cousins briefly returned to form in 2022—a bruising, offensively viable big who can take pressure off Jokic. And it comes at a time when legendary voices like Shaquille O’Neal are publicly questioning the current state of the big man role.

Shaquille O’Neal shares his take on Jokic 

In a recent episode of Off the Record, Shaquille O’Neal—never one to sugarcoat—took direct aim at what he sees as the downfall of the center position, calling out Rudy Gobert by name. “A lot of people think I have problems with Rudy Gobert. I do not. My problem is from player to consumer.” He continues by saying that when a player earns a massive contract, in this case, $250 million — they need to perform at a level that matches that paycheck. For Shaq, it’s about living up to the value the fans and teams invest in you.

He then establishes the hierarchy of NBA big men, calling himself “the leader,” “the god,” and “the ruler of the big man alliance.” Shaq also notes that while he might not be included in the general “GOAT” discussions, he’s firmly in the conversation, and very much at the top. When it comes to being the most dominant player ever, sharing that space with only “one other guy,” likely referring to Wilt Chamberlain. This is Shaq drawing the line: greatness at his position means playing with force, impact, and championships to back it up.

And as always, Shaq made clear where his respect lies, dominant low-post players, the kind of big men he and his era represented are fading out. Replaced by centers who prefer shooting jump shots rather than battling in the paint. However, Shaq makes an exception for Nikola Jokic. He praises Jokic as a “unique great hybrid”, a big man who can both dominate inside and stretch the floor effectively. In Shaq’s eyes, Jokic earns respect because he blends old-school toughness with new-school versatility and plays with real impact.

Shaq’s words come at a time when the traditional center role is under constant evolution. His fiery remarks hit at the heart of a league that’s seen its bigs drift toward the perimeter. But Jokic stands as an exception, versatile, physical, intelligent. And now, he finally has a backup who can complement that identity, not contrast it. Valanciunas isn’t flashy. He’s a true center.