Jonas Valanciunas has been the Memphis Grizzlies’ best player since the All-Star break

The Memphis Grizzlies started off the season on a positive note, knocking off a talented Washington Wizards team. After a close loss to the Bucks before the break, things looked like they were looking good for the Grizzlies.

But this would come crashing down in fast order.

Since the Grizzlies were on a hot streak, going 4-2 in games against tough competition, they’ve all but imploded.

It started with a last-second loss against a Denver Nuggets team that remains a strong squad. The Grizzlies would follow this with a blown lead against an injured Oklahoma City Thunder team that was largely comprised of G-League players with limited experience.

With only a day of rest, Taylor Jenkins squad would hang around against the Phoenix Suns in the first half, but have their doors blown off in the second.

Through it all, Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas has been playing his best basketball

There aren’t many positives to take away from this rough patch, but there is one saving grace through it all. That saving grace is Jonas Valanciunas.

While Ja Morant, Dillon Brooks, and Desmond Bane have hit rough patches, Valanciunas has hit his stride, keeping this team alive when they have needed him most.

For a player who was brought in to be a solid starter, he has exceeded what anybody thought was possible through this point in the year. In every way, he has passed the “eye test,” looking like the best player on the Grizzlies in any of the previous 4 games.

During that stretch, he is averaging 21 points and over 16 rebounds per game. He has also converted on 24 out of his 34 shot attempts, keeping this team’s field goal percentage high while the rest of the squad has been struggling to get the ball in the bucket.

This stretch included a 29 point, 20 rebound game where Valanciunas single-handedly took down the Wizards. You have to feel bad for Robin Lopez and the rest of the centers from D.C., as they were completely humiliated by Valanciunas.

JV isn’t done yet, either.

This is just a small glimpse into the type of player that he can be. Most fans assumed he had hit a ceiling at age 28, but it looks like he’s continuing to find ways to surprise the Grizzlies.

If he can keep up this level of play upon the return of Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies could be a menacing squad come playoff time.