Playing for the New Orleans Pelicans in the National Basketball Association, Jonas Valanciunas is among the most well-rounded and adjustable players, known for his impressive skills, height, and overall talent. As we are aware of Vanlanciunas’ abilities in the NBA, it is also important to take a look into his International career and how he became a revered figure among the harshest of critics; his fans.
Jonas Valanciunas’ National Team
Born in Utena, Lithuania, Valanciunas' plays for Lithuania. He began his international basketball career when he debuted in Lithuania’s junior national team at the 2008 FIBA under-16 Championship. He shined in his first appearance for the national side by averaging 14 points, 11 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 2.3 blocks in eight games.
In the 2009 Euro U18 tournament, he managed another phenomenal showing, averaging 19.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, one steal, and 2.6 blocks per game.
Valanciunas was exceptional in the 2011 under-19 world cup. Playing all nine games, Jonas averaged 23 points, 13.9 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 3.2 blocks per game.
Valanciunas has never passed on the opportunity to play for his country on the international stage; He has appearances in Euro U16 (2007, 2008), Euro U18 (2009, 2010), the 2011 FIBA U19 World Cup (2011), EuroBasket (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2022), the Olympics (2013, 2016), and the FIBA World Cup (2014, 2019).
With excellent scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and defensive skills, he is a consistent scorer who plays a vital role in maintaining offense and pushing defensive control on the opposition team.
Jonas Valanciunas Professional Career
Jonas began playing professional basketball with the Vilniaus Perlas in 2008. Playing for Vilniaus Perlas, Valanciunas averaged 14.6 points, 11.4 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 3.1 blocks in his first season, and 11.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in the first half of the subsequent season after moving up to the main league.
Valanciunas later signed a long-term deal with Lietuos Rytas. But since Vilniaus Perlas were its daughter team, he wasn’t transferred before the start of the season’s second half.
Between 2010 to 2014, Valanciunas’ won the LKL championship in 2010, the EuroCup rising star award for the 2011-12 season and was named in the All-EuroCup squad, participated in the LKL All-Star games from 2010 to 2012, won the 2011 LKL All-Star game MVP award, became the Lithuania Basketball Player of the Year three times (2011, 2012, and 2014), and was named FIBA European Player of the Year twice (2012, 2013).
After declaring for the 2011 NBA Draft, Valanciunas got picked by the Toronto Raptors as the fifth overall selection. Jonas went on to play six promising seasons with Toronto before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2018-19 season.
Valanciunas served to be a crucial starter for the team, averaging 11.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 0.4 steals, and one block per game.
Since he departed from Toronto, Jonas has maintained his defensive method of play while simultaneously improving his offensive game. He developed his shooting accuracy, three-point shooting, and free-throw shooting percentage. Now a part of the Pelicans roster, Jonas averages a double-double of 15.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.7 blocks.
FAQs
A. Valanciunas made his professional debut in 2008 at 16 years old.
A. The New Orleans Pelicans. Jonas has played two seasons for the Pelicans.
A. Valanciunas stands tall at 6 feet 11 inches (211 cm).
A. Jonas has won four Gold Medals; U19 World Cup (2011), Euro U16 (2008), Euro U18 (2010), and European Youth Olympic Festival (2007).
A. Jonas plays the Center and Power Forward positions.
