Jokic’s Backup Bids Farewell to NBA! Signs 2-Year Deal with Lithuanian Powerhouse, European Resume S

　　After 14 seasons in the NBA, Lithuanian big man Jonas Valanciunas—nicknamed “Big V” and best known as Nikola Jokic’s backup—is heading back to Europe. European basketball reporter Donatas Urbonas broke the news: the 2011 No. 5 overall pick has agreed to a two-year contract with Lithuanian giant Zalgiris Kaunas.

　　Valanciunas, now 33, averaged 12.8 points and 9 rebounds over his NBA career—solid numbers for a traditional center. Standing 211 cm and weighing about 120 kg, he built his game around a strong frame, low-post scoring, and relentless rebounding. He played more than 900 games for four teams: Toronto, Memphis, New Orleans, and Denver. In Memphis and New Orleans, he became a primary interior scoring option. His biggest NBA honor? A spot on the All-Rookie Second Team in 2013.

　　Last season with the Nuggets, Valanciunas served as the backup to three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. But with limited minutes and a reduced role, he actually tried to leave mid-season—reportedly eyeing a move to Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos. Denver, however, insisted he honor his contract. He finished the season, and then the Nuggets waived him, setting him free.

　　Now, his departure leaves a hole in Denver’s frontcourt rotation. The Nuggets have struggled for years to find a reliable backup center whenever Jokic sits. Since Mason Plumlee left, no one has really filled that spot. They signed Marvin Bagley this offseason, but he’s more of a tweener between power forward and center. Whether he can plug the gap? That’s still up in the air.

　　For Valanciunas, this homecoming is more than a career pivot—it’s a return to where it all began. Sure, his speed and defense have slipped in recent years, but his offensive skills, rebounding, and experience are still elite by European standards. At Zalgiris, he’ll get more touches, a bigger role, and a chance to be the man again. He already has a rich European resume: two LKL Most Improved Player awards, an LKL championship, two FIBA Young Player of the Year honors, and three LKL All-Star selections. After 14 years of NBA battles, this Lithuanian tower is taking his game back home, chasing new glory on the court where he first made a name.