A new Denver Nuggets star is angling to medal for his national team in EuroBasket, despite a distinct disadvantage.
Three-time MVP Denver center Nikola Jokic isn’t the only Nuggets big man looking for some summer hardware.
Per Nikola Miloradovic of Eurohoops.net, Jokic’s new backup, Jonas Valanciunas, believes his Lithuanian national team can make a major impact when the games start to count next week.
“I’ve always felt honored to represent my country, play for my country. Every time I step on the court with a green or white jersey, I feel amazing, I feel honored, and I want to do this as long as I’m capable,” he said, speaking to FIBA,” Valanciunas said.
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Valanciunas’ Team Lithuania will be functioning at something of a distinct disadvantage: they’ll be boasting just one NBA player, Valanciunas. Other clubs have starrier top names and more NBA-seasoned talent.
“I think every team is capable. We have some big names coming. Serbia, Turkey, Germany, we have Slovenia with Luka and, Greece with Giannis,” Valanciunas said. “We have a lot of a lot of a lot of big names, but that feel like every team is capable and every team can make some shake.”
Team France will be trotting out young NBA talents Guerschon Yabusele, Bilal Coulibaly, Zaccharie Risacher, and Alex Sarr, but will be without All-Stars Victor Wembanyam or, Rudy Gobert due to health concerns.
Serbia is particularly loaded. The team, which finished with the bronze medal at last summer’s Paris Olympics, also includes NBA players Bogdan Bogdanovic, Nikola Topic, and Tristan Vukcevic. 2024-25 Phoenix Suns point guard Vasilije Micic, who recently signed with Israeli team Hapoel Tel Aviv, will also be playing for his home country.
Germany is always a tough cover, led by Dennis Schroder, Franz Wagner, and Tristan da Silva. All-NBA First Team superstars Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo anchor Team Slovenia and Team Greece, respectively.
Valanciunas reflected on his enthusiasm for playing basketball on his home continent for the event.
“It’s closer to our region, to our base,” Valanciunas said. “Every tournament is important, but the European championship feels more like home, so I’m glad to be here.”
The tournament proper is brief. EuroBasket will run from August 27 to September 14. Valanciunas reflected on the brisk turnaround.
“There’s always a minimum of rest and a lot of games. But that’s what makes it interesting. You don’t just have to play well—you have to recover and be ready the next day. Only the stronger survive.”
The 32-year-old big man, who reportedly flirted with ditching the NBA for Greek EuroLeague squad Panathinaikos this summer despite being traded to a contender for the first time in a while, spoke about the physical demands of playing competitive basketball over the summer.
“Every tournament is a challenge—mental, body, basketball. To perform at your best, you have to put everything together: recovery, mental stage, dedication. Everything comes into one if you want to win.”
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