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Wizards players seem to be infatuated to play with the team’s new addition

The Wizards offseason addition could play a big role.

ByJohn Canady|
Oct 18, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas (17) dribbles the ball while being defended by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Oct 18, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas (17) dribbles the ball while being defended by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images | Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

The Washington Wizards roll into the offseason with a bit of a revamped roster after a busy offseason.

Aside from their draft night addition of Malcolm Brogdon, the Wizards made headlines again in the offseason with their signing of Jonas Valanciunas. The big man was one of the best free agents available and he decided to roll the dice and take his career to Washington.

At 32, his fit with the team didn’t seem to make sense due to the Wizards roster direction in what seems to be a rebuild. Nonetheless, Washington’s new addition seems to have found a home, and his new teammates have high praise for playing alongside the veteran.

Wizards players look forward to playing with Valanciunas

The Wizards' addition of Valanciunas offers the team immediate help in the frontcourt in a number of ways. Between his ability to rebound with the best of them, stretch the floor on offense, and be a willing defender, his fit with the team may be better than originally thought.

Aside from the obvious traits, his new teammates seem to be thrilled to play with the center for another reason.

Valanciunas is considered to be one of the best screening big men in the league. At 6-foot-11 and 265 pounds, the former top-five pick is an absolute tank. With his capability of setting screens to open up the floor for the team’s young playmakers on curls and pick-and-roll options, it allows for Brian Keefe’s offense to truly open up.

Aside from his impact on the floor, the 14-year vet brings leadership and a high basketball IQ to a young team hoping to rebuild the franchise to contend in the coming years. 

Considering the team’s top overall pick Alex Sarr set to be the building block for Washington in the frontcourt, having the chance to learn under Valanciunas could pay dividends in his development.

If Sarr can continue to learn under the big man, not only could it speed up his developmental process, but the frontcourt duo could shock some teams at the start of the season. 

Whether the French product is set to play solely at the four or slide to the center position at certain times, being able to watch a center who’s done it for a long time will be beneficial.

Nonetheless, with young players and coaches raving about Valanciunas, he could be a difference-maker early on in Washington.

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