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This summer, Jonas Valančiūnas, who was traded for the New Orleans Pelicans, found himself in the vortex of the trade for the second time during his nine-year NBA career.
Jonas Valančiūnas
| Position: | C |
| Age: | 29 |
| Height: | 211 cm |
| Weight: | 116 kilograms |
| Place of birth: | Utena, Lithuania |
In 2019, the tall Toronto Raptors were forced to move to the Grizzlies in Memphis, finishing last on the Pelicans’ charts last July.
The 29-year-old, 211 cm tall midfielder first appeared on an NBA press day wearing a Pelicans jersey and answered questions from reporters.
At the beginning of the interview, the Lithuanian recalled the evening in which he received the message that he was exchanged.
“I was at home when I received the call and they informed me that they changed me. It was not my first time, I expected it a bit. The first thing I did squatting was New Orleans. What is happening in the city, what is happening here, what restaurants are there? He was interested in everything. I still knew the team, I have played the Pelicans many times, but I needed to find out more information about the city where I will live, ”said JV.
When asked if he had been successful in exploring New Orleans, Valančiūnas said the exchange had brought considerable confusion into his life.
“I am here for 5-7 days, I have to do many things, to rebuild my whole life. I will definitely taste the city in time. I have heard that there is a lot of good food here, so it will be necessary to visit the local restaurants,” said the Lithuanian.
Upon arriving in New Orleans, Valančiūnas encountered two young league stars: Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. When asked to comment on joining these two talented young men, the Lithuanian emphasized that it would be hard work.
“We have a group of great guys. Everyone wants to win, everyone is humble and hardworking. Now we have to see how we all stick together on the field. The first days will show everything. We have a lot of work to do. We can be successful, but we have to bow our heads and work hard to go far, ”said Jonas.
What is Valančiūnas’ impression of Sion? The tall man did not wrap the words in cotton.
“He’s a beast. We need to be able to give him the ball and watch him work. Zion is a great athlete, a great talent and he is the future of the Pelicans,” said the tall man.
Last season was statistically the best in Valančiūnas’ career. The Lithuanian scored 16.9 points and 12.5 rebounds, and the Grizzlies took the lead in the NBA playoffs after a four-year layoff.
When asked if he could bring those numbers to New Orleans, the JV emphasized that he would not stop improving.
“We played hard in every game, we did good things, but that’s the past. I look forward to joining the Pelicans team and being even more successful doing more on the field. We have a great team of coaches that will help me grow and be more successful. Basketball is not an individual sport, it is a team sport. We have to win as a team, we have to learn what we are going to do, ”said the center.
After joining Pelicans, Valančiūnas found something very similar to that in Memphis: a young team. According to JV, he is committed to mentoring his young teammates and sharing advice.
“First of all, what I do is set an example. I can sit with the guys and tell them what can and can’t be done. The most important thing is to set a good example, be prepared every day, work hard, die in the field. This is an example that I will show. There is a great need for a vocal leader in the wardrobe and we will have one. Garrett Temple has been playing in the league for a long time, I play, we help young people. The most important thing is to set an example, ”said the Lithuanian.
Pelicans has also hired a new man this season. coach, who became Willie Green. Next season for the 39-year-old strategist will be his debut at that position, but JV was concerned about that and highlighted a very good feature of Green.
“He is a coach of the players. Try to squeeze the player as much as possible. Willie is a very smart guy. This is a young stuntman, boss. he became a coach for the first time and he will have to adapt to that. Willie helps players to grow, which is something very important for a coach to have, especially in the first year, ”explained Valančiūnas.
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