The Denver Nuggets made headlines this summer when they brought in scoring forward Cam Johnson, a move many fans and analysts circled as the highlight of their offseason. But beneath the noise of that deal lies a quieter, perhaps more impactful signing—Jonas Valančiūnas. The Lithuanian big man may not be the flashiest acquisition, but his arrival in Denver could solve one of the Nuggets’ longest-standing issues: finding a dependable backup for Nikola Jokić.

For years, Denver’s championship hopes have rested on the shoulders of their Serbian superstar. While Jokić has consistently delivered MVP-caliber production, the team has struggled in the minutes when he sits. Those stretches have often seen the Nuggets bleed points, forcing Jokić into extended workloads and limiting their ability to stay fresh deep into the postseason. With Valančiūnas in the fold, that weakness might finally be addressed.

A True Veteran Anchor Behind Jokić

At 7-foot, 265 pounds, Valančiūnas brings a physical presence Denver has lacked off the bench. He’s not a developmental project, nor is he a small-ball experiment—he’s a proven NBA center with over a decade of experience battling some of the league’s toughest frontcourts.

During his time with New Orleans and Memphis, Valančiūnas showcased an ability to rebound at an elite level, punish mismatches in the post, and stretch defenses with his touch around the rim. While he’s not a defensive stopper in the mold of Rudy Gobert, his size alone forces opponents to think twice before attacking the paint.

For Denver, that means they finally have a second big who can log quality minutes without the offense or defense collapsing when Jokić rests.

Giving Jokić the Freedom to Breathe

One of the biggest storylines of Jokić’s career is how much he has had to carry. His passing, scoring, rebounding, and playmaking make him the engine of the Nuggets’ system. But the burden of keeping the team afloat even in regular-season minutes has often left him gassed come playoff time.

Valančiūnas changes that equation. By absorbing 12–15 minutes per game of reliable center play, he can give Jokić something he hasn’t always had—real rest. That might mean fresher legs in the fourth quarter of playoff games or simply reduced wear-and-tear over an 82-game season.

And while Jokić is famously durable, the best way to extend his prime is by limiting unnecessary mileage. Valančiūnas provides Denver that luxury.

A Match Made for Playoff Basketball

The NBA playoffs often boil down to matchups, and Denver has been vulnerable in specific scenarios. Against teams with strong second units or physical big men, the Nuggets’ lack of size behind Jokić has been exploited. Too often, they’ve relied on undersized forwards sliding to the five, which can’t withstand playoff pressure.

Valančiūnas gives Denver another option. He can hold his own against bigger benches, dominate the glass in short spurts, and even swing the momentum of a game with his interior scoring. In a seven-game series, those 6–8 “non-Jokić” minutes each half are critical. If Denver can turn those from a negative into a positive, their chances of repeating as NBA champions skyrocket.

The Subtle Offensive Fit

While Valančiūnas isn’t a playmaker like Jokić—few in history are—his offensive game meshes quietly well with Denver’s system. He’s comfortable in pick-and-roll actions, can finish through contact, and stretches defenses with midrange touch. His willingness to screen hard and carve out space creates opportunities for Jamal Murray, who thrives when defenses collapse inside.

Unlike some backup centers who clog the paint, Valančiūnas’ versatility ensures Denver can keep its spacing intact. His presence gives second units an identity—slower, more physical, and inside-focused, but still effective.

The Psychological Boost

There’s also an underrated psychological element to this move. For years, Denver’s second units have felt like a liability. Opponents knew the formula: weather Jokić’s brilliance, then feast on the bench minutes. That narrative has been part of Denver’s story even during their title run.

Now, that dynamic shifts. With Valančiūnas, Denver sends a message—they’re no longer vulnerable when their superstar rests. That changes the way opposing coaches plan rotations and could force rival stars to play heavier minutes just to counterbalance Denver’s depth.

Reigniting the Championship Fire

Denver’s 2023 championship run proved they can climb the mountain. But repeating requires more than stars—it requires depth, resilience, and solutions to the small cracks that opposing teams try to exploit. The addition of Cam Johnson boosts their shooting and versatility, but Valančiūnas addresses something more foundational.

He is not expected to carry the team, nor steal headlines from Jokić. Instead, his role is to provide stability, toughness, and reliability in moments when Denver needs it most. In many ways, that’s exactly what the Nuggets have been missing.

Conclusion

The Nuggets didn’t make a blockbuster splash with Jonas Valančiūnas, but they may have made the smartest move of the offseason. By giving Nikola Jokić the kind of backup anchor he has never truly had, Denver not only strengthens its rotation but also protects its most valuable asset.

In a league where NBA championships are decided by the smallest margins, this “quiet” signing could turn out to be the move that defines the Nuggets’ season. For Nikola Jokić, the presence of Valančiūnas might not just mean more rest—it could mean the difference between another deep run and another year of carrying too heavy a load.