It’s official: Jonas Valanciunas is coming to the Denver Nuggets.
After weeks of twists and turns, Valanciunas’ deal with the Nuggets is finished, and now he has decided on his jersey number.
According to Etienne Catalan on X, Valanciunas will wear No. 17 for the Nuggets.
That number has been dormant for years and was last worn by Johnny Taylor all the way back in 1999.
Throughout his career, Valanciunas has worn 17, and he is happy to bring that tradition to Denver.
Jonas Valančiūnas (@JValanciunas) will wear No. 17 for the #Nuggets. Number last worn by Johnny Taylor in 1999. #NBA pic.twitter.com/jIULcRmBEp
— Etienne Catalan (@EtienneCatalan) July 14, 2025
Valanciunas’ move to the Nuggets was first reported at the start of the month, but then it hit a huge speed bump: Greece’s Panathinaikos.
He was lured to play overseas and, according to most reports, he seriously considered it.
In the end, Panathinaikos didn’t offer him enough to change his trajectory, and now Valanciunas is on his way to Denver.
He split his time between the Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings last season, averaging 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.
Valanciunas adjusted to being a bench player in 2024-25, and that may be the case in the next season too.
He could provide helpful support behind Nikola Jokic in the center position.
After years of Jokic needing assistance, Valanciunas might be exactly what the Nuggets need.
Denver was surely sweating this situation for a while, afraid that they could lose Valanciunas to the Greek league.
Now they can start making plans with him, and they are hopeful.
The Nuggets have made several impressive changes so far, and they think they are enough to help them become one of the best teams in the West again.
Valanciunas provides a lot of strength and power, and might be their smartest acquisition.
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