Jonas Valančiūnas is a towering figure in the world of basketball, standing at 6’11” and weighing 265 lbs
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. Born on May 6, 1992, in Utena, Lithuania, Valančiūnas has made a name for himself as a formidable center in the NBA
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. He was drafted 5th overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2011 NBA Draft and has since played for several teams, including the Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, and currently, the Washington Wizards
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Valančiūnas’ journey to the NBA began in his home country, where he played for Perlas Vilnius and Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius before making the leap to the NBA
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. His early career was marked by numerous accolades, including being named the FIBA Under-19 World Cup MVP in 2011 and winning multiple Lithuanian Player of the Year awards
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In the NBA, Valančiūnas has consistently been a reliable presence in the paint
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. Known for his strong rebounding and shot-blocking abilities, he has averaged double-digit points and rebounds throughout his career
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. His time with the Raptors saw him earn a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2013, and he has continued to be a key player for his teams
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Off the court, Valančiūnas is known for his dedication to his craft and his love for his home country
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. He has represented Lithuania in international competitions, winning silver medals at the EuroBasket tournaments in 2013 and 2015
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. His contributions to Lithuanian basketball have made him a beloved figure in his homeland.
As of the 2024-2025 NBA season, Valančiūnas is averaging 11.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game for the Washington Wizards
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. Despite being in his 12th NBA season, he continues to be a valuable asset for any team looking for a strong center
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For more information on Jonas Valančiūnas, you can check out his Wikipedia page
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If you’re interested in watching some of his highlights, here’s a YouTube link to get you started!
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www.espn.com
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en.wikipedia.org
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www.basketball-reference.com