Dwane Casey has been effusive in his praise of Jonas Valanciunas since the day the Raptors began pre-season workouts, lauding the veteran centre for his court awareness, his dedication to improved footwork and a summer conditioning program that has the seven-foot Lithuanian in outstanding shape.
Valanciunas has repaid his coach for the compliments with a handful of excellent outings, including an 18-point, 11-rebound gem in Toronto’s 116-94 over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday at the Air Canada Centre.
Operating almost entirely as an active roller to the basket and mid-range shooter/facilitator rather than a stodgy post-up player, Valanciunas has found a niche in an ever-expanding Toronto offence.