Jonas Valanciunas Summer Discussion II

[JYD]

If you're expecting him to be some defensive stalwart for this team, particularly early in his career, you're in for disappointment. Val still struggles with holding the post, and in dealing with post moves/fakes. And he's not an intimidating shot blocker, though he can be a good shot-contester.

I think down the road if he gets a little stronger and plays with more control in the paint, he'll be a pretty good defender, but not great. I see a good rebounder in him, but also not a great one. His real potential lies in his offense.

I still think the best comparison for him is Noah, with less rebounding and much better touch/finishing ability. My 'non-homer' expectation for his potential is something like a 16/9 C with a block a game...and very efficient.

For his first year, assuming he's going to have some foul trouble and come off the bench to start, I could see something like 8/6 from him.

[bballsparkin]

Well China played in Summer League a few years back and went 1-4 and got blown out by 20+ in 3 of those games. Nigeria has 1 D Leaguer, 1 NCAA guy, 1 ex-NBA and 1 current NBA. Sure sounds like a summer league team to me.

You want Jonas getting experience being a role player? I don't. I want him playing like he's the man.

Summer league tends to ignore bigs doesn't it? I'd rather he play in the Olympics for games that matter. People are getting worried too soon. Maybe coach knows he's hurt and is resting him. We'll see.

[xprt]

[Joker]

If you're expecting him to be some defensive stalwart for this team, particularly early in his career, you're in for disappointment. Val still struggles with holding the post, and in dealing with post moves/fakes. And he's not an intimidating shot blocker, though he can be a good shot-contester.

I think down the road if he gets a little stronger and plays with more control in the paint, he'll be a pretty good defender, but not great. I see a good rebounder in him, but also not a great one. His real potential lies in his offense.

I still think the best comparison for him is Noah, with less rebounding and much better touch/finishing ability. My 'non-homer' expectation for his potential is something like a 16/9 C with a block a game...and very efficient.

For his first year, assuming he's going to have some foul trouble and come off the bench to start, I could see something like 8/6 from him.

A pragmatic, objective assessment of Jonas? HOW DARE YOU.

[StMikes31]

Jonas does look bigger from when they filmed that story on nbatv. Looks like he's been following Mckechnie's routine.

[Reignman]

I for one am kinda happy he's not playing heavy mins. After the schedule he's had for the past 2 seasons the kid needs a break.

I want him to join training camp fresh. We've seen other players come here after long summers looking beat.

[WaltFrazier]

Is there a quick video link on the board to watch Jonas's Olymic games?

[YogiStewart]

So his defense is poor and he fouls a lot? I thought his main game was his defensive potential.

How can ''potential'' be someones ''main game''? He has high defensive potential, and it was his main asset coming into draft.

his problem is that he's an energy-driven player. he's so damn fidgety on D (and O). shuffling feet, hands everywhere, not making great use of his body or positioning.

trust me...dude will get it in 6 months.

[RaptorLakerJay]

In my opinion, he's playing pretty well. Lot of you are expecting him to drop jaw-dropping numbers. Through two games, he's averaging 5.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game in 13.0 minutes of action per contest. I'm predicting him to translate that into the NBA game, say if he does play about 26 minutes/game, he'll be averaging 10 points/8 rebounds which is a decent rookie year. Anything more would be excellent.

[JV4MVP]

Foul trouble again although the second call was complete bs

[clockwork]

enough of **** songaila. this better be his last tourney.

[nelabai]

Jonas can't stay in the game. It's harsh but meaningful experience for him.

[Chocobanana]

I havent been paying attention to Valanciunas much this olympics, how would you say he is doing considering his age and experience?

[clockwork]

pocius would do well in the nba. screw real.

[rmnts]

I havent been paying attention to Valanciunas much this olympics, how would you say he is doing considering his age and experience?

considering his age, he's doing ok. could play more minutes, get ball more, but it is what it is.

[SkywalkerAC]

you can see the type of game Kemzura wants to play and that this team can be competitive playing this style (when actually hitting shots and not turning the ball over). you can also see flashes of JV's massive talent, despite his struggles with the whistle. he could be used better but he's perfectly capable of producing in this setting.

let's see how he does in the 2nd half. the team is starting to click, can he play his role and stay on the court?

[SkywalkerAC]

what is Kemzura doing? Val out after 2 minutes? surely he's not benched for the remainder...

[theycallmeZZ]

Surely Val would get more experience by watching the Olympics on TV.

And Coach has the nerve to blame Val for LIT's poor play.

[Elastic]

WTF. I didn't question Kemzura's decisions (regarding Valanciunas) the past two games, but today was absolute nonsense. Starting in the third quarter, Valanciunas then played only for 2 minutes and got benched, while not making any visible mistakes (the p&r defense was a bit off, but I would blame the whole team's poor positioning here). And, as someone mentioned, Valanciunas looked completely demoralized on the bench, especially in the first half. Honestly, I hope next year Val will pull off a Motiejunas and decline playing in the NT, unless his role is changed.

[FTW]

7 minutes?

**** me the Olympics are turning into a downer