Jonas Valanciunas
The Lithuanian giant who dominated the paint and captivated Toronto fans with his rebounding prowess.
Jonas Valanciunas is a Lithuanian professional basketball player who spent his formative and most prolific years with the Toronto Raptors. Drafted in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft, he quickly evolved from a raw prospect into one of the league's premier rebounders and interior scorers during his tenure in Canada. Known for his soft touch around the rim and relentless hustle on the glass, Valanciunas became a fan favorite at the Air Canada Centre (now Scotiabank Arena) before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.
- Role
- Center
- Nationality
- Lithuanian
- Draft Year
- 2012
- Jersey Number
- 17
- Status
- Former Player (Traded in 2019)
- Key Strength
- Rebounding and Post Scoring
Lore & Background
Valanciunas's time in Toronto is defined by his incredible work rate and emotional connection to the city. He became known as 'J-Vals,' a nickname that stuck with fans who appreciated his humility and relentless motor. Even after being traded, the memory of his put-backs, alley-oops, and signature celebration remains etched in the minds of Raptors supporters from the 2016-2019 era.
In Their Own Story
The arena hummed with anticipation as the ball swung toward the rim, missing cleanly. Before it could touch the floor, a flash of red jersey number 17 soared into the air. Jonas Valanciunas snatched the rebound with authority, turning instantly to launch the counter-attack. The crowd at the Air Canada Centre erupted, knowing that in his hands, every missed shot was merely an opportunity for another chance.
Reader's Guide
Jonas Valanciunas joined the Toronto Raptors as a first-round pick in 2012, initially serving as a backup before seizing a starting role. Signature moves included his high-arcing hook shot over defenders, powerful put-backs off offensive boards, and a surprisingly fluid mid-range jumper for a player of his size. He was a cornerstone of the Raptors' interior defense during his peak years, anchoring the paint with tenacity. Although he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019 as part of the deal that brought Kyle Lowry's successor and other assets, Valanciunas is not among the players with a retired jersey number. However, his legacy remains significant; he holds several franchise records for rebounds and is remembered fondly by fans for his grit, reliability, and genuine love for the city of Toronto.
Did You Know?
- Valanciunas was selected 5th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft but spent his first year in the D-League with the Tulsa 66ers before joining the Raptors full-time.
- He became the second player in Raptors history to be named an NBA All-Star, following Chris Bosh.
- During his time in Toronto, he averaged over 9 rebounds per game for multiple consecutive seasons.