Valanciunas Mix

[Beebo]

Looks like a more athletic and aggressive Biedrins.

[Qwyjibo]

Looks like a more athletic and aggressive Biedrins.

I would love for him to become like Biedrins because Biedrins' major flaw (FT shooting) is not an issue at all for Val. You can give him the ball on offense and not be afraid of him going to the line.

[Toni]

I think the mid range shot could be a weapon for Valanciunas (FT shooting usually translates to overall shooting ability fairly well) but I'm glad his inclination is to play in the paint first.

I do think fouls will be a pretty big problem with him (not out of the ordinary) his first few years in the league though. His foul rate was high overseas and the NBA is a lot more strict in that regard.

I see him as a taller Amir Johnson with a better shot. Which is a pretty good return for our pick IMO.

I compare him to Amir because of excessive fouling, decent defense/rebounding and hustle.

[Reef]

I see him as a taller Amir Johnson with a better shot. Which is a pretty good return for our pick IMO.

I compare him to Amir because of excessive fouling, decent defense/rebounding and hustle.

That's exactly who I see him as too..a 7 foot Euro version of Amir. Like Amir, he's a solid weakside defender, very good pick and roll player, good FT shooter, solid rebounder, but he needs to get stronger. The Ilgauskas comparison that Casey made was terrible IMO. Ilgauskas was never as fluid or as mobile as Val.

[Toni]

Jonas Valanciunas was the best player on the floor as Lithuania humiliated the United States 108-75 in a tuneup for the FIBA under-19 championship, which gets underway on Thursday in Latvia.

The fifth overall selection by the Raptors imposed his will on the smaller Americans, compiling a game-high 23 points and 11 rebounds, along with two blocks and a steal.

Valanciunas is rail-thin and must pack on 15-25 pounds before he can compete effectively in the NBA, but against those his own age, he has consistently dominated.

Previously, Valanciunas was named MVP of FIBA’s under-18 and under-16 tournaments.

http://www.torontosun.com/2011/06/28...arp-against-us

[Beebo]

I would love for him to become like Biedrins because Biedrins' major flaw (FT shooting) is not an issue at all for Val. You can give him the ball on offense and not be afraid of him going to the line.

Lets hope he isn't injury prone like Biedrins

I wasn't really excited about the pick at first but now I can't wait to see this kid play

[Reef]

Against Croatia today, Val dropped 19 pts (7-17 FG, 5-6 FT), 13 rebs, 5 blks!

[Toni]

Against Croatia today, Val dropped 23 pts (7-17 FG, 5-6 FT), 13 rebs, 5 blks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puvJDYCeq90

[Prodigy]

Against Croatia today, Val dropped 23 pts (7-17 FG, 5-6 FT), 13 rebs, 5 blks!

It was actually 19 points. And Lithuania lost

[Qwyjibo]

It was actually 19 points. And Lithuania lost

Psh Lithuania, who cares about them? Valanciunas is the only important part of that team for me right now

[Reef]

It was actually 19 points. And Lithuania lost

Yup, my bad.

[Reef]

Against South Korea today, Val had 25 pts (11-11 FG! 3-3 FT), 17 rebs, 2 blks in 19 mins!!

[bluerap]

then again, south korea

[bluerap]

kid really looks like the real deal.

today against serbia he had 18 pts, 13 reb and 3 blocks.

two days ago against canada 15pts, 9 reb and 4 blocks in 19 mins!

[bokes15]

Just for clarification, if there is an NBA season next year, he will definitely be playing for us or will he still be in Europe?