Nuggets Trade Saric for Valanciunas: Immediate Impact Revealed

UPDATE: The Denver Nuggets have made headlines with their recent trade of Dario Saric for Jonas Valanciunas, yielding immediate and significant results. On December 5, 2023, Valanciunas showcased his skills in a thrilling game, contributing to a remarkable 20-0 fourth-quarter comeback against the Atlanta Hawks, all without superstar Nikola Jokic on the court.

This trade, executed in July, was a strategic move for the Nuggets, who have long sought a reliable backup for Jokic. Saric, who struggled in his role, played only 16 games for Denver last season, earning a salary of $5.2 million. The Kings accepted Saric’s expiring contract, allowing Denver to acquire Valanciunas without sacrificing any draft capital.

Valanciunas has quickly proven his worth, appearing in all 24 games this season, already surpassing Saric’s total from last year. His performance has been exceptional, averaging 8.5 points in just 12.8 minutes per game, and he has become a vital part of the Nuggets’ rotation.

Valanciunas’s efficiency is noteworthy. He is scoring 23.9 points per 36 minutes and shooting an impressive 58.9% from the field. His skills in the post have made him one of the most efficient scorers among high-volume post-up players in the NBA, ranking fourth in points per possession.

Coach David Adelman emphasized the importance of having a strong bench, and the Nuggets are reaping the benefits of Valanciunas’s contributions. The team’s net rating when Jokic is off the floor has dramatically improved to -1.5, a significant upgrade from last season’s -9.3. This stability is crucial as the Nuggets aim to keep Jokic fresh heading into the playoffs.

In a recent face-off against the Kings, Valanciunas scored 15 points on a perfect 7-for-7 shooting night. His performance mirrored Jokic’s, who scored 36 points, marking the best combined output for the Nuggets’ centers this season. Meanwhile, Saric remains sidelined, having not played since October 26.

Valanciunas, now in a role that allows him to excel without the pressure of being a starter, is embracing this opportunity. At 33 years old, he recognizes this as his best chance to secure an NBA championship, and his buy-in to the bench role has delighted Nuggets management.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Valanciunas continues to impact the Nuggets’ performance, especially as they strive for a deep playoff run. This trade has not only transformed the team’s dynamics but has also set the stage for a promising future in Denver. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Valanciunas can maintain his momentum and help the Nuggets solidify their position as championship contenders.