Jonas Valančiūnas's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Jonas Valančiūnas.

Jonas Valančiūnas is a Lithuanian professional basketball player currently playing for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. Drafted fifth overall by the Toronto Raptors in 2011, he has also played for the Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings during his NBA career. He is a prominent figure in Lithuanian basketball and a notable presence in the NBA.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1995: First Raptors rookie since Damon Stoudamire to record a double-double

In October 2012, Valančiūnas became the first Raptors rookie since Damon Stoudamire in 1995 to record a double-double in his first game.

2008: FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship MVP and Gold Medal

In 2008, Jonas Valančiūnas participated in the FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship in Italy, where he led his team to win the gold medal and was chosen as the MVP after averaging 14.3 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.3 blocks.

2009: European Under-18 All-Star Game MVP

In 2009, Jonas Valančiūnas dominated the European Under-18 All-Star Game during EuroBasket 2009 in Poland, scoring 18 points, grabbing 19 rebounds, blocking three shots and helping the "Blue Team" win, later being named the MVP of the All-Star game.

2009: Grizzlies club record of most rebounds in two consecutive games

On February 29, 2020, Valančiūnas improved the Grizzlies club record (45 rebounds) for the most rebounds in two consecutive games previously held by Zach Randolph who had 42 rebounds in 2009.

2010: FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship MVP and Gold Medal

In 2010, Jonas Valančiūnas led Lithuania to another gold medal in the FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship held in Lithuania, averaging 19.4 points, 13.4 rebounds and 2.7 blocks, and was voted as the MVP.

December 2011: Lithuanian Basketball Player of the Year

In December 2011, Valančiūnas was named the Lithuanian Basketball Player of the Year for the first time.

2011: LKL All-Star Game MVP

During the 2011 LKL All-Star Game, Valančiūnas scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds and was named the MVP.

2011: FIBA Under-19 World Cup Gold Medal and MVP

In 2011, Jonas Valančiūnas led the Lithuanian Under-19 basketball team to capture the gold medal in the FIBA Under-19 World Cup in Latvia, averaging 23.0 points, 13.9 rebounds and 3.2 blocks, and was later named the tournament MVP.

February 2012: FIBA European Young Player of the Year

In February 2012, Valančiūnas was named the FIBA European Young Player of the Year.

December 2012: Lithuanian Basketball Player of the Year

In December 2012, Valančiūnas was selected as the Lithuanian Basketball Player of the Year for a second time.

2012: MVP in VTB United League, EuroCup Rising Star award

In 2012, Valančiūnas was named February's MVP in the VTB United League and won the EuroCup Rising Star award two months later. He was also named in the All-EuroCup squad, averaging 10.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg and 1.6 bpg.

2012: LKL All-Star Game MVP

In 2012, during the LKL All-Star Game, Valančiūnas led his team to victory with 25 points and 13 rebounds, winning the MVP award once again.

February 2013: FIBA European Young Player of the Year

In February 2013, Valančiūnas was named the FIBA European Young Player of the Year for a second time.

April 2013: Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month

In April 2013, Valančiūnas was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for games played in March.

July 2013: MVP of the Las Vegas Summer League

On July 22, 2013, Valančiūnas was named MVP of the Las Vegas Summer League.

December 2013: Career-high 18 rebounds

On December 27, 2013, Valančiūnas recorded a then career-high 18 rebounds in a 95–83 win over the New York Knicks.

2013: Silver Medal at EuroBasket 2013

In 2013, Jonas Valančiūnas won a silver medal at the EuroBasket 2013 tournament.

2013: EuroBasket silver medal

In 2013, Valančiūnas won a EuroBasket silver medal as a member of the Lithuania men's national basketball team.

2013: Surpasses rebound total in a season

On March 31, 2017, Valančiūnas also established a career high, surpassing the 714 rebounds he had in the 2013–14 season.

April 2014: Career-high 26 points

On April 9, 2014, Valančiūnas scored a then career-high 26 points in a 125–114 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Two days later, he recorded a then career-high 21 rebounds in a loss to the New York Knicks.

December 2014: Lithuanian Basketball Player of the Year

On December 17, 2014, Valančiūnas was selected as the Lithuanian Basketball Player of the Year for a third time.

2014: Second in Field Goal Percentage

During the 2014-15 season, Valančiūnas finished with a back-to-the-basket shot percentage of 51.3%, good for second in the NBA and was ranked second in field goal percentage category.

January 2015: Career-high 31 points

On January 31, 2015, Valančiūnas scored a then career-high 31 points in a loss to the Detroit Pistons.

2015: EuroBasket All-Tournament Team and Silver Medal

In 2015, Jonas Valančiūnas was chosen to the EuroBasket All-Tournament Team, along with his Lithuanian teammate, Jonas Mačiulis, after averaging 16 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. The Lithuanian team won their second consecutive silver medal at the competition.

2015: EuroBasket silver medal and All-Tournament honours

In 2015, Valančiūnas secured another EuroBasket silver medal and earned All-Tournament honors.

March 2016: Double-double streak

In March 2016, Valančiūnas recorded his 16th straight game scoring in double figures and his 16th double-double of the season. His double figure record ended at 17 games after re-injuring his left hand on March 14.

March 2016: Helps Raptors record a 50-win season

On March 30, 2016, Valančiūnas helped the Raptors record a 50-win season for the first time in franchise history. On April 1, he recorded 11 points, 14 rebounds and a career-best seven blocks in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

October 2016: Career-high 32 points

On October 26, 2016, in the Raptors' season opener, Valančiūnas recorded a then career-high 32 points and 11 rebounds in a win over the Detroit Pistons.

January 2017: Career-high 23 rebounds

On January 10, 2017, Valančiūnas grabbed a then career-high 23 rebounds to go with 18 points in a win over the Boston Celtics.

March 2017: Franchise record for most rebounds in a single period

On March 31, 2017, Valančiūnas made team history in the third quarter of the Raptors' win over the Indiana Pacers. He had 13 of his 17 rebounds during the quarter, setting a franchise mark for most in a single period.

January 2018: Selected Lithuanian Basketball Player of the Year

On January 15, 2018, Valančiūnas was selected as the Lithuanian Basketball Player of the Year for a fourth time. On January 26, 2018, he had a season-high 28 points and 14 rebounds in a loss to the Utah Jazz.

November 2018: Season highs of 24 points and 13 rebounds

On November 21, 2018, Valančiūnas had season highs of 24 points and 13 rebounds in a 124–108 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

February 2020: Career record in rebounds

On February 28, 2020, Valančiūnas improved his career record by grabbing 25 rebounds. On February 29, 2020, he scored 22 points and grabbed 20 rebounds.

August 2020: Achieves first triple-double

On August 13, 2020, Valančiūnas achieved his career's first triple-double: 26 points, 19 rebounds, 12 assists and led his team to a crucial victory securing chances to play in the 2020 NBA playoffs.

March 2021: Double-Double vs Washington Wizards

In March 2021, Jonas Valančiūnas achieved a double-double with 29 points, 20 rebounds, and 4 blocks in a 127–112 victory over the Washington Wizards. This made him the first player in franchise history to record at least 25 points, 20 rebounds, and 4 blocks in a single game.

February 2022: Lithuanian Basketball Player of the Year

In February 2022, Jonas Valančiūnas was named the Lithuanian Basketball Player of the Year for the fifth time.

2023: FIBA Basketball World Cup

In 2023, Jonas Valančiūnas represented the national team at the FIBA Basketball World Cup where Lithuania finished 6th overall. He averaged 14.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, which included a sensational victory against USA. He was named to the All-FIBA World Cup Second Team.