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Could Jonas Valanciunas Lead the 2018-19 Memphis Grizzlies in Double-Doubles?

By Christian Dudley

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 3: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 3, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 3: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 3, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Though Jonas Valanciunas has donned a Memphis Grizzlies uniform for only a few weeks, he could become their season leader in double-doubles.

Jonas Valanciunas became a member of the Memphis Grizzlies on February 7th at the NBA Trade Deadline. Though the franchise shed Marc Gasol from their roster, they gained a stronger inside presence and a better overall rebounder in Valanciunas.

Though there was a very limited amount of time to get the newcomers integrated in Memphis, chemistry has quickly developed. A lot of it has to do with fresh legs, and this could not be any more true for Jonas Valanciunas. Due to injury, he had missed 27 games prior to his debut with the Memphis Grizzlies (February 12th).

This has been the sign of life the Grizzlies have needed in their frontcourt, especially considering they have not had many options all season long at power forward and center.

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Today, Memphis ranks 29th of 30 teams in rebounds per game (48.5). This number is slowly starting to climb as the Grizzlies have unleashed Ivan Rabb, further utilized Joakim Noah, and obtained Jonas Valanciunas via trade.

It makes you wonder where this Memphis squad would be ranked in the season standings had a Gasol trade occurred sooner in the season, especially considering Marc was a poor rebounder given his skill set, résumé, size, and height.

The Memphis Grizzlies currently stand at a record of 28-40 following a fourth quarter triumph over the Orlando Magic. They are riding a three-game winning streak — the first time since the middle of November when it looked as if a playoff appearance was imminent for Memphis.

Now 68 games into the 2018-19 NBA season, and the rebounding department continues to be a point of emphasis. When breaking down the full season, you will see that Marc Gasol produced 18 double-doubles through 53 games in his time prior to the NBA Trade Deadline. This means Big Spain generated a double-double (plus one triple-double) in 34% of those games.

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When focusing on the “double-double” verbiage rather than standard points-rebounds accumulation, the total number decreases when finding the Grizzlies’ second-leading player in double-double status. Mike Conley has nine double-doubles assigned to his name in 2018-19, with five of those performances happening after the New Year.

Marc Gasol led the Grizzlies in rebounds per game (8.6 in 2018-19 with Memphis), but that has now changed with the emergence of Jonas Valanciunas (8.9 through ten games with Memphis).

Valanciunas’ five double-doubles with the Memphis Grizzlies are tied for third-most on the team this season. His 16-point, 13-rebound effort against the Oklahoma City Thunder matched JaMychal Green (departed the team via trade) on March 3rd.

Jonas has tallied more double-doubles in a Grizzlies uniform this season than Joakim Noah (4), Ivan Rabb (3), Kyle Anderson (2), and Jaren Jackson Jr (2). It is remarkable how solid Valanciunas has been on both ends of the floor in a short amount of time. His “bully ball” style of play reminds Grizz Nation of Zach Randolph.

Valanciunas was hungry for game action. Even prior to suffering a thumb injury with the Toronto Raptors, he had fallen out of their rotation. It was understandable because their roster is now littered with star talent, hence their No. 2 overall record in the Eastern Conference. The trade which dealt Jonas to Memphis was a win-win for both teams involved.

Through 10 games (eight starts) as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies, Jonas Valanciunas is notching the double-double mark 50% of the time. 14 games remain on their regular season schedule. Surpassing Gasol as the team’s 2018-19 leader in double-doubles is not out of the question.

Beginning with Tuesday’s road matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, Valanciunas must snag a double-double in each remaining contest in order to accomplish the feat. As he is the Grizzlies’ usual starter at the center position, he has a good chance of earning a double-double on any of these upcoming nights, but must stay away from foul trouble.

His minutes were somewhat restricted on Sunday versus Orlando due to early foul trouble. Jonas finished the contest with 12 points, eight boards, three assists, one steal, and a whopping four blocks. Valanciunas is showing that he has a very diverse skill set — similar to the former Marc Gasol.

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Again, this makes you wonder where the Memphis Grizzlies would be placed in the Western Conference had Jonas Valanciunas arrived sooner in the season. This Grizzly squad is extremely hungry at the moment, and a lot of that credit must be given to No. 17. He has been starving for points, rebounds, and more victories.

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