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Memphis Grizzlies: Taking a look at the new arrivals

By Jake Peterson

MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 9: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies smiles during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 9, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 9: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies smiles during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 9, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Jonas Valanciunas

Contract situation:

  • 2018-19: $16.5 million
  • 2019-20: $17.6 million (player option)

What can Jonas Valanciunas do for the Grizzlies now?

Jonas Valanciunas is, without a doubt, the best player the Grizzlies received in the trade. Even though he hasn’t played since early December after a thumb injury, Valanciunas is a proven veteran who provides a solid scoring option, heady defense and good rebounding.

Coming off a thumb injury, JV will be ready to return soon.

Although it looks like Ivan Rabb will be starting for now, Valanciunas will be able to help the Grizzlies fill the giant void left by Gasol and provide an upgrade in rebounding. His 18 percent rebounding rate is a huge boost over Gasol’s 13.2 percent clip. The Grizzlies will certainly miss Gasol’s shooting touch, as Valanciunas takes roughly 75 percent of his shots within nine feet of the basket.

The Lithuanian big man, while not averse to the 3-point line, takes about one per game, hitting them at a “meh” rate of 30 percent. Additionally, Valanciunas is not an adept mid-range shooter, having taken just 34 through 30 games this year. The Gasol and Conley pick-and-pop will be greatly missed, but Valanciunas will provide some low post strength that Gasol has slowly lost.

Defensively, Valanciunas stymies opponents near the rim, defending at a league best 46.3 percent. Gasol was still a great low-post defender, but often struggled to move his feet laterally to keep up with quicker players.

It will be interesting to see how the Grizzlies’ coaching staff manages his minutes, as he averaged just over 18 for the Raptors this season. Valanciunas, while playing healthy for almost his whole career, has never averaged 30 minutes over a season. When he returns he will probably see his minutes creep back into the mid-20s, but don’t expect a Marc Gasol-level of 34 minutes.

Does Valanciunas fit in with the Grizzlies’ future plans?

Yes and no. Valanciunas will be one of the Grizzlies’ better players this year and the following year (when picking up his option is a virtual lock), but doesn’t really move them over the hump. He’s an upgrade over Gasol defensively and on the glass, but lacks Gasol’s offensive versatility and passing ability.

Valanciunas will only turn 27 in May, meaning he’s still got some quality years ahead of him. The only problem is Valanciunas has not been able to fully adapt to the new NBA of quicker big men and perimeter-oriented play.

It is highly unlikely the Grizzlies would sign him at his current price tag once his deal is up, but like many others, he could be moved next season if the Grizzlies go down that road.

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