Jonas Valanciunas (C)
Preseason Ranking: 76
2017-18 Ranking: 68
Average Pick: 74.2
Owned: 91%
Is there still time left for Jonas Valanciunas to prove he is more than what he has already shown in his first six years?
As the Raptors’ 2011 lottery pick, it feels like Valanciunas has been around forever. He’s still just 26 but it appears like that one big breakout season his fans expect won’t ever come around. And time has all but ran out on him.
Valanciunas played a career-low 22.4 minutes last season putting up averages of 12.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks.
His dwindling minutes are a red flag, especially if the Raptors go the “small ball” route and start Siakam or Ibaka at centre at his expense.
A move to the bench could be beneficial for Valanciunas who could put up better per-36 minutes stats playing against second units, but the minutes won’t be there to make him any better than where he was last season.
Ranked at 76, Valanciunas is projected to get taken within round six in most drafts. A lot of his value comes from his efficiency at the rare centre spot. But with no defensive stats, assists, and an increased likelihood of playing less, Valanciunas’s value is heading down.
Verdict: Overrated