The Backup Center Conundrum: Why the Jonas Valanciunas Experiment Fell Short in Denver
Let’s start with a bold statement: the Denver Nuggets’ struggle to find a reliable backup center for Nikola Jokic has been one of the most glaring yet overlooked issues in the NBA over the past few years. Jokic, arguably the best player in the league, is an unstoppable force when he’s on the court. But the moment he sits, the team’s dynamics shift dramatically. It’s like watching a well-oiled machine suddenly run on fumes.
Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how the Nuggets have approached this problem. They’ve tried everything—young prospects, journeyman veterans, even players who were once starters elsewhere. Yet, none of them have stuck. When Jonas Valanciunas arrived last offseason, it felt different. Here was a proven veteran, a player with size, skill, and experience, who seemed tailor-made to fill the void. On paper, it was a no-brainer.
But basketball isn’t played on paper. And that’s where things got interesting.
The Promise and the Pitfall
Valanciunas’ signing was met with near-universal praise. A big body who could score in the post, rebound, and provide a steady presence? Exactly what the Nuggets needed. What many people don’t realize is that the success of such a move isn’t just about the player’s talent—it’s about how the team integrates them. And that’s where the Nuggets fell short.
From my perspective, the real issue wasn’t Valanciunas’ ability; it was the coaching staff’s inability to give him the consistency he needed. David Adelman’s rotation decisions were, at best, perplexing. Valanciunas was in and out of the lineup, his minutes fluctuating wildly, and his role never clearly defined. For a player who thrives on rhythm and routine, this was a recipe for failure.
One thing that immediately stands out is how this mirrors a broader trend in the NBA: the struggle to manage veteran players in a league that increasingly prioritizes youth and athleticism. Valanciunas isn’t a high-flyer or a stretch five; he’s a traditional big man who needs the right system to succeed. The Nuggets, it seems, couldn’t—or wouldn’t—provide that.
The Coaching Factor
Here’s where I’ll get a bit opinionated: I think the blame for this failed experiment lies squarely with the coaching staff. Valanciunas wasn’t given a fair shot. Sure, he had his limitations, but so does every player. The job of a coach is to maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses. In this case, Adelman did the opposite.
What this really suggests is a deeper issue within the Nuggets’ organization: a lack of clarity in how they want to build around Jokic. Are they looking for a backup who can mimic his playstyle, or someone who brings a completely different dimension? The Valanciunas signing seemed to indicate the former, but the way he was used suggested confusion.
If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just about one player or one season. It’s about a team’s inability to address a critical weakness despite having the resources to do so. The Nuggets had the right player; they just didn’t use him right.
Moving On to Bagley: A New Experiment
Now, the Nuggets are moving on to Marvin Bagley, a player who couldn’t be more different from Valanciunas. Bagley is athletic, versatile, and—let’s be honest—unproven in this kind of role. It’s a high-risk, high-reward move, and one that raises a deeper question: Are the Nuggets still searching for the right formula, or are they just throwing darts at a board?
In my opinion, Bagley represents a shift in strategy. Instead of trying to replicate Jokic’s impact, the Nuggets are opting for a player who can bring energy and athleticism to the second unit. It’s a gamble, but one that could pay off if Adelman learns from his mistakes with Valanciunas.
The Broader Implications
What makes this situation so intriguing is what it says about the NBA’s evolving landscape. The league is moving away from traditional big men, but teams like the Nuggets still need someone to fill that role when their star center is off the floor. The Valanciunas experiment highlights the challenges of integrating such players in a modern system.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how this reflects on the Nuggets’ front office. They’ve been praised for their roster construction, but this misstep shows that even the best teams can stumble when it comes to the nuances of player management.
Final Thoughts
So, was the Jonas Valanciunas era a failed experiment? Personally, I think it’s more complicated than that. Yes, it didn’t work out, but the failure wasn’t entirely on Valanciunas. It was a combination of poor coaching decisions, unclear strategy, and perhaps a mismatch between player and system.
As the Nuggets move forward with Bagley, I’ll be watching closely to see if they’ve learned from their mistakes. Because if they haven’t, they risk repeating the same cycle of disappointment. And in a league as competitive as the NBA, that’s a luxury they can’t afford.
If you ask me, the real lesson here isn’t about Valanciunas or Bagley—it’s about the importance of clarity, consistency, and adaptability in building a championship-caliber team. The Nuggets have the talent. Now, they just need to figure out how to use it.
