Last Updated on April 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
Here’s a detailed profile of basketballer Jonas Valančiūnas:
Player Profile
- Full Name: Jonas Valančiūnas
- Nationality: Lithuanian
- Age: Born May 6, 1992
- Hometown: Utena, Lithuania
- Height: 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m)
- Weight: 265 lbs (120 kg)
- Wingspan: 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m)
- Shoe Size: 16 US
- Shoe Brand: Nike G.T. Jump 2, Nike KD 14, Nike KD 13, Nike Air Max Dominate
- Number: Wears jersey number 17
- Position: Center
- High School: Did not attend a U.S. high school; developed through the Lithuanian basketball system
- College: Did not attend college; played professionally in Lithuania before the NBA
- NBA Draft: 2011, Round 1, Pick 5 by the Toronto Raptors
- Teams Played For:
- Toronto Raptors (2012–2019)
- Memphis Grizzlies (2019–2021)
- New Orleans Pelicans (2021–present)
- Championship Rings: None
- Kids: 2 sons, Jonas Jr. and another child whose name is not publicly disclosed
- Siblings: Details about siblings are not widely disclosed
Jonas Valančiūnas’s player archetype is that of a traditional interior big, a bruising center whose game is built on rebounding, screening, paint scoring, and physical presence around the basket. At 6-foot-11 and 265 pounds, he brings the size and strength to carve out space inside, finish through contact, and control possessions on the glass. Offensively, he works best as a low-post scorer, pick-and-roll finisher, and second-chance producer rather than a hub built around perimeter creation, though he has enough touch to keep defenses honest. Defensively, he fits more as a positional anchor and strong rebounder than a highly mobile switch defender, using strength and size to hold the interior instead of flying around in space. His overall play style is rugged, efficient, and old-school in the best sense, centered on physicality, interior scoring, and dependable work in the paint.
Fun Facts
- Jonas Valančiūnas is known for his strong rebounding, efficient scoring in the paint, and excellent free-throw shooting for a big man.
- He represented Lithuania in various international tournaments, winning medals in EuroBasket and FIBA competitions.
- Valančiūnas played a key role in the development of the Toronto Raptors before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, and later the New Orleans Pelicans.
- Off the court, he is known for his involvement in charity work in Lithuania, particularly with youth basketball programs.
Sources:
NBA.com — Jonas Valančiūnas | Center | Denver Nuggets
Basketball-Reference — Jonas Valančiūnas Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
NBA.com — Offseason Additions: Jonas Valančiūnas
NBA.com — Pelicans 2024 playoff profile: Jonas Valanciunas