Quick Info Jonas Valanciunas :
| Name | Jonas Danutė Valanciunas |
| NickName | Jonas Valanciunas |
| Date of Birth | 6 May 1992 |
| Age (2024) | 32 Years |
| Nationality | Lithuania |
| HomeTown | Utena |
| Height | 6ft 11in |
| Weight | 265 lb (120 kg) |
| Profession | Lithuanian professional basketball player |
| Current Team | New Orleans Pelicans (#17 / Center), Lithuania men’s national basketball team (#17 / Center), Lithuania |
| Spouse | Eglė Valančiūnienė (m. 2013) |
| Parents | Jonas Vilkas, Danutė Valančiūnaitė |
| Net Worth | 4-5 Million USD |
| @jvalanciunas |
Who is Jonas Valanciunas ?
Jonas Valančiūnas, is a prominent figure in professional basketball, known for his formidable presence on the court and impressive skill set. Born on May 6, 1992, in Lithuania, Valančiūnas has carved out a remarkable career both internationally and in the NBA. Currently, he plies his trade as a center for the New Orleans Pelicans in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Valančiūnas rose to prominence after being selected as the fifth overall pick by the Toronto Raptors in the 2011 NBA draft, marking the beginning of his journey in the world’s most prestigious basketball league. Over the years, he has demonstrated his prowess on the court, earning accolades and admiration for his contributions to the game.
His journey to NBA stardom was preceded by a successful stint in European basketball, where he honed his skills and garnered attention for his exceptional talent. Before joining the Raptors, he showcased his abilities with teams like Perlas Vilnius and Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius, where he made significant contributions and earned recognition for his outstanding performances.
Facts about Jonas Valanciunas :
- Jonas Valančiūnas is a Lithuanian professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the NBA.
- He was drafted by the Toronto Raptors with the 5th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft.
- Valančiūnas has been a member of the Lithuania men’s national basketball team since age 19.
- He won two EuroBasket silver medals with Lithuania (2013 & 2015) and earned All-Tournament honours in 2015.
- He began his professional career playing for Perlas Vilnius in Lithuania’s second division in 2008.
- In 2010, he moved to Lietuvos Rytas, a powerhouse Lithuanian team.
- While playing for Lietuvos Rytas, he won the LKF Cup in 2010 and participated in three LKL Finals (2010, 2011, 2012).
- He was named Lithuania Basketball Player of the Year three times (2011, 2012, 2014).
- Valančiūnas was also named FIBA European Young Player of the Year twice (2012 & 2013).
- In his NBA debut with the Raptors in 2012, he recorded a double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds).
- He was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month in March 2013.
- Valančiūnas won the Las Vegas Summer League MVP award in 2013, becoming the first non-American to do so.
- During the 2013-14 season, he surpassed Keon Clark’s franchise record for most rebounds in a playoff game (18).
- He holds the Raptors’ record for most consecutive games scoring in double figures (17).
- Valančiūnas helped the Raptors achieve their first 50-win season in franchise history (2015-16).
- He set a franchise playoff record for rebounds in a game twice (2016 & 2018).
- Valančiūnas also holds the Raptors’ record for most playoff double-doubles (15).
- In 2017, he had a career-high 23 rebounds in a single game.
- The following year, he recorded a career-high 28 points during the regular season.
- Valančiūnas’ best playoff double-double performance was 21 points and 21 rebounds in 2018.