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Toronto Raptors: Jonas V piling up huge advanced stats

Related Topics: Bryan Colangelo, Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors have enjoyed the services of center Jonas Valanciunas since 2012-13. His first season was the year after he was drafted by GM Bryan Colangelo because of the wording of his Euro League contract. Despite that hiccup, JV is the longest-serving Raptor, and arguably the one whose game has undergone the most change.

JV deserves considerable credit for bending with the wind. His career arc reflects the astonishing speed at which the NBA has transitioned from a get-the-ball-inside league to a bombs-away one. In so doing, the center position has been devalued, particularly on offense.

Consider: Jonas averaged more minutes in his rookie season than he has last season or this.