Nuggets have chance to sign backup center worlds better than Jonas Valanciunas

Cherry on top of a perfect offseason in Denver
Boston Celtics v Philadelphia 76ers
Boston Celtics v Philadelphia 76ers | Mitchell Leff/GettyImages

The situation with Jonas Valanciunas is ugly and unfortunate, but there’s a perfect solution that would suit everyone: the Nuggets can let JV go to Europe and use the midlevel exception to sign Al Horford. The future Hall of Famer is said to be mulling over his options, including the Warriors, the Nuggets, or retirement.

Al is getting long in the tooth, and he’s a far cry from the player he was in his prime, but he’s still one hell of a two-way player. He’d frankly be overqualified to be a straight backup to Nikola Jokic; he could play the four or the five, and he could even be in closing lineups on some nights, especially in the playoffs.

Horford has proven his mettle in recent years with the Celtics, showing an ability to guard on the perimeter and at the rim. He’s still one of the best switch bigs in the NBA, and while he’s lost a step, he has covered some of the league’s biggest stars in the playoffs and held his own.

On offense, he has turned into a lights-out three-point shooter, and his spacing would allow him to play with or without Jokic. He’s also adept at setting screens, passing, and playing within the system. Long story short, Horford would be an outstanding addition to any contending team and would fit perfectly in Denver.

Horford is a better player and fit than Valanciunas

The Nuggets obviously still must convince Horford to choose them over other contending suitors, but they have several advantages. If Valanciunas gives all of his salary back in the buyout, then Denver can offer him the most money.

They can also offer him the best chance to win, and the cushiest gig as he’ll be a true luxury off the bench. He can continue to rest for back-to-backs and play sparingly until the playoffs start, where he’s been one of the most consistent big men in the league in recent years, including the Celtics’ 2023 championship run when Kristaps Porzingis was hurt.

Valanciunas seemed like a dream come true as a backup center, but Horford would actually be even better. He’s smaller and older than Val, but he’s a much better player. He moves a lot better and is much more versatile on the floor. His shooting and touch on offense are huge factors and would allow him to play with any other big (or as the lone big) on the team.

All in all, it’s a perfect fit, and if the Nuggets are able to pivot from Valanciunas to Horford, that would truly be the cherry on top of a dream offseason.