Nuggets Weigh Valanciunas' Role in Playoff Rotation

Coach Adelman says matchups will determine how much center plays in postseason

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:34am

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The Nuggets have been experimenting with their bench rotation in recent games, with first-year coach David Adelman increasingly moving away from a traditional backup center behind Nikola Jokic. This has led to a decrease in playing time for veteran center Jonas Valanciunas, raising questions about his role in the team's playoff rotation.

Why it matters

The Nuggets are trying to find the right mix of players to complement their stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray in the playoffs. Valanciunas' lack of mobility has made him a liability against certain opposing lineups, leading Adelman to explore smaller, more versatile frontcourt options like Aaron Gordon and Spencer Jones.

The details

Valanciunas had played single-digit minutes in seven of Denver's last 11 games, a significant drop from earlier in the season when he was a regular part of the second-unit rotation. Adelman cited the Nuggets' struggles to start the second quarter with Valanciunas on the floor, as opposing small-ball lineups have been able to exploit his lack of mobility in pick-and-roll coverage. The coach has instead turned to lineups featuring Gordon and Jones, which have provided more defensive versatility.

  • Over the last 11 games, Valanciunas has played single-digit minutes in seven of them.
  • Prior to this recent stretch, Valanciunas had only played under 10 minutes twice all season.

The players

David Adelman

The first-year head coach of the Denver Nuggets, who has been experimenting with his bench rotation in recent games.

Jonas Valanciunas

The veteran center for the Nuggets, who has seen his playing time decrease as the team explores smaller, more versatile lineups.

Nikola Jokic

The star center for the Nuggets, who Valanciunas has traditionally backed up.

Aaron Gordon

The Nuggets' starting power forward, who has been playing more minutes at center in smaller lineups.

Spencer Jones

A Nuggets player who has seen increased minutes at center in recent games, providing more defensive versatility.

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What they’re saying

“It's not about him in those units. It's about those units (as a whole), all five guys not being good enough to start the second quarter.”

— David Adelman, Head Coach

“In the NBA nowadays, you have to be able to have a lineup that can (switch one to five). There are too many talented small-ball lineups that abuse pick-and-roll coverage, and if you can make it a 1-on-1 game and force turnovers, that adds a layer to your team that we had when we won it.”

— David Adelman, Head Coach

What’s next

Adelman said he is not yet certain about his playoff rotation, but will continue to experiment with different lineup combinations to find the best fit against various opponents.

The takeaway

The Nuggets are prioritizing defensive versatility and the ability to switch screens as they evaluate their playoff rotation, which could limit the role of traditional big man Jonas Valanciunas in certain matchups. Adelman is willing to get creative with his lineups to find the best complement to stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.