Since being selected fifth overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas has provided steady contributions. Here are five goals for him to take a leap forward in 2017-18.
Both the Toronto Raptors and center Jonas Valanciunas are at a tipping point entering the 2017-18 season.
For each of the past four seasons, Toronto has managed to win 48 or more regular season contests, but have only been able to make one appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The team has opted to keep the core of the team together, including coach Dwane Casey, but a change could be imminent.
Among the 32 predictions ESPN reporter Zach Lowe made for the upcoming season was Toronto dealing away Valanciunas prior to the February trade deadline.
The primary reasoning for Valanciunas to be moved is strictly financial, as the Raptors are projected to be $4 million over the luxury tax line next season, a figure tied to only 10 players on the roster.
For Valanciunas to secure his long-term future with the organization, he will have to surpass the 12 points and 9.5 rebounds he totaled from a year ago. Here are five goals for Valanciunas for the upcoming season.