The Denver Nuggets made some big moves this past offseason to address the depth around the team, after superstar center Nikola Jokic voiced a need for more quality depth on the roster after suffering defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals. Among the four key additions to the team this offseason, one of them almost didn't even happen.

One of the final moves the Nuggets made was trading forward Dario Saric to the Sacramento Kings for Jonas Valanciunas, a quality veteran center who could be one of the league's best backups behind Jokic. However, Valanciunas almost departed the NBA to play overseas before it all collapsed, and he opted to play for the Nuggets.

Through 24 appearances this season, it's been a success, as he's averaged 8.5 points and 4.7 rebounds in just under 13 minutes per game. Valanciunas hasn't had to step in as a starter yet, but he looks all the bit capable of doing so if his number is called on.

"I'm enjoying it. I'm just enjoying playing, enjoying being in the locker room, enjoying being a part of this. It's just the start. Lots of games left and lots of stuff to do to improve as well...Personally me, I'm just enjoying, coming in with a smile on my face," Valanciunas said.

Valanciunas was a key member of the Toronto Raptors for nearly seven seasons before being traded in 2019 to the Memphis Grizzlies for Marc Gasol, as the Raptors ended up going on to win their first title in franchise history. He's been a bit of a journeyman ever since, spending time with the Wizards, Pelicans, and Kings since leaving Memphis.

After missing out on a chance to win a title with the Raptors in 2019, he has his best chance now to win a title with the Nuggets. Even though the Thunder still stand in their way, the two sides haven't matched up yet, so there's no telling how close these two teams really are, even if records point toward the Thunder looking unstoppable.

Valanciunas is still under contract for the 2026-27 season if the Nuggets choose to guarantee his salary. The veteran big man could still very well look to make his way overseas in the 2026 offseason, but a $10 million check will be hard to pass up, and a chance to compete for an NBA title before his career is all said and done.