Veteran center Jonas Valanciunas hasn’t been part of the Nuggets’ regular rotation recently, but he has continued to handle the situation professionally, according to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post.
Head coach David Adelman praised Valanciunas for maintaining the right mindset despite reduced playing time.
“I would say he has been as professional as you can be in this situation,” Adelman said. “And professional in our game means he should be pissed off – and he was – because he wants to play and help the team. Not because it’s about him. … He’s been great on the bench.
“He’s been great in film sessions. He’s worked out extremely hard. He’s done everything you ask of somebody to do. So I have complete trust in Jonas.”
Valanciunas, who has previously been linked to EuroLeague club Panathinaikos, has an uncertain contract situation as only $2MM of his $10MM salary for next season is guaranteed.
Still, the Lithuanian big man emphasized his readiness to contribute whenever needed.
“I will stay ready. What am I gonna say?” Valanciunas said. “Am I pissed off? … As long as we’re winning the game, you know. I’m here if you need me. I’m here. I’m gonna do everything (I usually do). So it’s simple as that.”
Free Agent Notes: Porzingis, Yabusele, Sharpe, Valanciunas pic.twitter.com/uagbydVIj3
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 4, 2026