Following a disappointing end to the their season, the Toronto Raptors are going into training camp with a different roster. There has been talk on what what the Raptors need to do to become a contender, well that is an easy answer, Jonas Valanciunas needs to take the next step in his development.
He was the team’s fifth overall pick in 2011, and since then there have been high hopes for the big man. After being drafted by the Raptors he played overseas in Lithuania to develop his game and get him more NBA ready. A year later Valanciunas came to the NBA with a stronger frame and improved footwork. Valanciunas’ numbers improved every year while being in the league. He sets good screens, rolls to the basket and gets a lot of his points of offensive put backs. Despite his potential, Jonas will need to develop a face up game so he can knock down perimeter foot jump shots.
With the NBA game changing, a lot of questions surround Jonas Valanciunas. The league is now going to a faster, small-ball lineup and the question is where does Valanciunas fit? Jonas does not have the footwork to be played in that kind of lineup so he would be a liability defensively against more mobile centers. There were times last season where Jonas was benched in the 4th quarter. This is not always attributed to faults of his own, as often times he is just matched up with a smaller, more mobile center, making him a liability on the court. Lateral quickness will be something Valanciunas will have to work on so that he can stay late in the game, as his lack of lateral quickness is keeping him out of games.
During the off season the Raptors re signed the big man to a contract extension, and with this signing they have made it clear that they want Valanciunas as part of their future, so pressure will be on Valanciunas to perform. He’s definitely got the potential, now it’s time for him to put it all together
Valanciunas is currently playing for his country Lithuania in the 2015 Euro league cup. He is having a great performance averaging a double double. For the big man, playing for his country will help him get more comfortable on the offensive end considering his is the number one option on that team and will draw more touches down low.
Jonas Valanciunas last season averaged 12 points-per-game and 8.7 rebounds-per-game. Every year we have seen more growth in his game. He is a player with a high motor and someone who excels in the pick and roll. Last season he was often seen getting upset about the calls or at himself, so another step forward for him could be increasing his confidence, and looking ahead to the next play as opposed to dwelling on mistakes and bad calls.
There are no guarantees for Valanciunas next year, and with more front court depth Dwayne Casey will have no problem finding another option. If Jonas cant improve on both ends of the court then it will be a big step back in his career. This is a make or break season and if Jonas can perform at a high level he could take the Raptors to the next level.
Video Credit: Down to Buck
The Heat Check Magazine 