Celtics Champion Named Better Fit For Nuggets Amid Jonas Valanciunas Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Denver Nuggets have been one of the more active teams during the offseason. Even before the offseason, the Nuggets began making changes right before the start of the NBA Playoffs, when they fired head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth. The move shocked many around the league, as the Nuggets then had to go into the playoffs with David Adelman serving as the interim.
Despite the sudden changes, the Nuggets performed admirably, defeating the then-red-hot Los Angeles Clippers in seven games, thanks in part to timely second-chance opportunities and Russell Westbrook’s 41.9% shooting from deep throughout the series.
Celtics championed named better fit for Nuggets amid Jonas Valanciunas rumors
Unfortunately, the Nuggets fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, but did force the eventual NBA Champions to a seven-game series. Denver’s lack of depth became evident when the Nuggets were getting hurt toward the end of the series.
That’s likely why the Nuggets have made the moves that they have. They traded Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets for Cameron Johnson. They also signed fan favorite Bruce Brown and traded Dario Saric to the Sacramento Kings for Jonas Valanciunas.
However, there has been drama-filled rumors surrounding the trade for Valanciunas after it was reported he was considering taking a deal to play for Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos. Adam Mares, host of the All City NBA podcast, believes this could be a blessing in disguise and that the Nuggets should target former Celtics big Al Horford.
“I think Al Horford is a better option (than Valanciunas) given the role that is expected of him,” Mares said. “I see some people say, ‘He’s 39. He’s washed.’ Did you not watch him last year? The man played incredible defense.”
“I think Al Horford is a better option (than Valanciunas) given the role that is expected of him.” – @Adam_Mares
“I see some people say, ‘He’s 39. He’s washed.’ Did you not watch him last year? The man played incredible defense.” pic.twitter.com/gMh7S4mde4
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) July 8, 2025
Not only is Horford likely the better defender, but his offensive skill set also makes him a perfect fit for what the Nuggets look for at the center position, primarily his ability to shoot the deep ball.
Valanciunas doesn’t bring the perimeter offense or defense that Horford offers, and could likely be played off the floor in certain matchups against smaller lineups. It remains to be seen how this saga with Panathinaikos, especially after the Nuggets stated they expect Valanciunas to honor his contract and play for them next season.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.