Navigating the Twin Towers: Denver Nuggets‘ experiment with Jokic and Valanciunas
The Denver Nuggets are embarking on an intriguing experiment this season: deploying both Nikola Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas on the court together. While early returns showed a limited offensive output – just four points on five possessions against the Lakers, according to Nuggets coach Michael Adelman – it’s far too early to draw definitive conclusions. This article dives deep into the strategy, challenges, and potential of this unconventional lineup, offering insights gleaned from coaching ideology and league-wide trends.
Early Hurdles & The Sample Size Question
The initial offensive struggles (an 80 offensive rating) are noteworthy, but Adelman stresses the incredibly small sample size. Limited practice time dedicated to this specific pairing also contributes to the early challenges. Don’t expect immediate perfection; building chemistry and tailored plays takes time.
Learning from Houston: A Blueprint for Success
Adelman is drawing inspiration from the Houston Rockets’ successful pairing of Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams. However, he acknowledges the Nuggets’ unique personnel require a different approach.
* Sengun functioned as the primary ball-handler and playmaker, while Adams focused on rebounding.
* Valanciunas possesses a more versatile skillset, capable of both rebounding and skilled offensive play.
This necessitates finding a balance where both big men are comfortable and utilized effectively,avoiding congestion in the paint. Adelman’s goal is to create spacing and ensure each player’s strengths are maximized.
The “ATO” Glimpse: High-Low Potential
Despite the initial struggles, a well-executed “ATO” (After Timeout) play offered a promising glimpse of the potential. Jokic set screens to free Christian Braun,then a second screen created an opportunity for Valanciunas. While the initial entry pass was difficult, it ultimately freed Jokic for an open jumper.
Adelman believes this high-low action will be a key component of the strategy, posing a important challenge for opposing defenses. “I don’t know how people will handle that,” he stated, anticipating adjustments from opponents.
A Growing Trend: The Rise of the Double-Big Lineup
The Nuggets aren’t alone in exploring double-big lineups. This strategy has been gaining traction across the NBA, demonstrating its potential effectiveness in specific situations. Adelman, known for his willingness to experiment, is eager to see how opponents react to Denver’s version.
Defensive Considerations: Zone Defense & Jokic’s Versatility
the challenge isn’t limited to offense. Defensively, Adelman is exploring a zone scheme with both centers. In Sunday’s game, Valanciunas played the conventional center position, while Jokic was positioned on the wing, tasked with defending from the corner.
This isn’t a new tactic. Adelman utilized a similar positioning for Jokic during the 2025 playoffs, allowing Aaron Gordon to effectively defend pick-and-rolls in the middle. Jokic’s basketball IQ and positioning allow the Nuggets to “tilt” their defense strategically, providing extra help when needed.
lineup Construction & Future Tinkering
The initial lineup surrounding Jokic and Valanciunas featured length and athleticism: Peyton Watson, Christian Braun, and Julian Strawther. Whether this is the optimal combination remains to be seen. Adelman views this as a starting point, a “ripping the Band-Aid off” moment.
With 82 regular-season games ahead, there’s ample opportunity to refine the strategy.Adelman is committed to experimentation and finding the right balance.
The Bottom Line: A Work in Progress
Adelman is realistic about the challenges. He isn’t promising a perfect solution, but he’s determined to explore the potential of this unique pairing. The Nuggets are willing to invest the time and effort to see if the twin-towers look can become a valuable weapon in their arsenal.
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