Toronto Raptors: Jonas Valanciunas Transforming Before Us
With the first quarter of the NBA season now in the books, it’s time for a little check-up appointment. Specifically, Toronto Raptors’ man in the middle, Jonas Valanciunas.
The once caught-napping center has recently quieted his critics with a burgeoning effort on the blocks — a beast has been let out of his cage!
Throughout the big man’s short career, an overkill of doubts have been raised. Developing too slow? … A lacking offensive IQ? … An average quickness combined with an awkward and limited low-post repertoire?
Notions that former general manager Bryan Colangelo should have invested in Kawhi Leonard or Klay Thompson in the 2011 draft can be dispelled — if you’re basing assets from a raw-talent perspective, then arguments win the majority; when attempting to complete a roster puzzle, JV fit perfectly.
One never questions what Kyle Lowry brings to the table; rightfully so, the last son of Krypton is the heart and soul of this squad. The only query would revolve around whether or not the Raps would still reside on the East’s throne if the floor general was the one nabbed by the injury gods instead of co-star DeMar DeRozan.
At the risk of crashing the festivities, a news flash must begin to set in. There will be a time when this organization is in need of a new franchise tag. The skeptics will soon realize the future leader of the Raptors is none other than the young Lithuanian.
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Is anyone adverse to hesitation, though? … It’s the nature of the terrain; guilty until proven innocent is simply the way the sports world (unfortunately) functions — I will even pull my own card.
Dwane Casey’s limited usage of JV in high-pressure situations was a second-guesser’s dream; at least at first glance — perhaps the clout of a head coach with the highest winning percentage in Raptors’ history (.480) justified more respect.
Look beyond the sub-.500 representation, as the basketball community is aware, Toronto has dealt with its fair share of hardwood hardships — Rafael Araujo drafted over the likes of Andre Iguodala, Josh Smith and Anderson Varejao is a vivid flashback.
How about Joey Graham over Danny Granger and Monta Ellis to sharpen the agony knife — one forgives, but never forgets.
When it comes to a player’s psyche, every situation holds a unique set of buttons to push; what motivates one, will contribute to the downfall of the next. In pure production terms, Valanciunas deserved to ride the pine at key moments — erratic execution on both ends of the floor had left fans feeling queasy and irritable.
A firm believer (including yours truly) in allowing the development of a young player (especially one who holds such lofty implications) to augment itself by learning on the job, must leave room for the proper omissions — or the one’s who just need to get their head out of their you-know-what.
However, the prospect of more court time brings the chance to prove consistency along for the ride — a transformation is now taking place.
For starters, let’s enjoy a few moments of JV’s current outbreak. His 18-point, 12-rebound, 72 percent from the field, and havoc-wreaking four-block display against the Denver Nuggets:
Are the 26 minutes per game now a thing of the past? … Hovering around the 32 mark over the last three is a step in the right direction.
Faith in his game continues to grow — pour a little salt on the recent dismantling of the Indiana Pacers, the services of No.17, or any other starter for that matter were not required for any extended stretch. Let’s just say the Pacers are a curious bunch without Paul George.
Three straight double-doubles (averaging 15.3 points, 13.7 boards) doesn’t hinder the spirit of this spurt, either. Not to mention a tidy 92 percent from the stripe.
Looks like that IQ is improving before our eyes. Indecisiveness in the paint is diminishing, post moves are evolving, the once timid is becoming the intimidator. The second coming of Wilt the Stilt he is not, but the development everyone has been waiting for is in the process of coming to fruition. The talent has always existed.
Will this be the norm moving forward? … The magic 8-ball is now taking bets. Although, one more blatant travelling violation might call for a reassessment.
The Raps kryptonite appears when they purchase too much real estate in jump-shot city. In order to move past the first round this season, the team must fuse together what is now unfolding before them.
Defense wins championships, but balance invites you to the party. Valanciunas’ turn at the NBA’s pinata is up next, and the blindfold has been taken off.