NBA Redraft Series: Redrafting the 2011 NBA Draft

NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 23: A general view of the draft board above the stage during the 2011 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center on June 23, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. 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. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

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#9 Pick: Jonas Valanciunas (CHA) (Originally: Kemba Walker)

Speaking of reliable big-men, Jonas Valanciunas has become one of the most reliable big-men in the current NBA. Valanciunas has always been a consistent and upper-echelon player, who’s the definition of a mid-tier big-man.

Originally, Jonas Valanciunas was drafted to the Toronto Raptors, where he’d have seven seasons as a consistent third wheel to the DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry show, which was running the Eastern Conference at the time. He’d never be that guy to take over the game, but he was a great piece to fit around a playmaking Lowry.

That team would, unfortunately, always feel the brunt of the LeBron James Cavaliers team, which were always mainstays in the NBA Finals. Following seven seasons in Toronto, Valanciunas was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. His stint in Memphis was certainly a step up.

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Throughout his career, Jonas Valanciunas has averaged:

12.4 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.0 BLK

Valanciunas is the definition of double-double machine, being able to snag rebounds and dominate the paint at ease. This has become more clearer in his tenure in Memphis, where he has become a perfect passing option for the future star, Ja Morant.

Still, Valanciunas has become a dominant big-man as his career has blossomed, commonly achieving 20 point and 20 rebound games. Valanciunas isn’t a superstar but has had superstar games. He’s definitely underrated, for sure.