Toronto Raptors: How Jonas Valanciunas Can Guide the Raptors to Playoff Glory

Although Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas told reporters in February that sitting in the fourth quarter doesn’t bother him, it probably should. If the Raptors continue to sit Valanciunas late in games, another early playoff exit may be imminent.

A team’s best defense is their best offense, right? Valanciunas has an outstanding 122 offensive rating and is averaging 16.6 points and 12.0 rebounds per 36 minutes.

However, when the game gets tight, Valanciunas usually isn’t on the court due to defensive alignments.

It’s no secret that the Raptors' perimeter defense needs to get better, and Valanciunas’ speed is challenged against a small-ball lineup, but his offensive abilities are too valuable to leave him off the court.

Valanciunas spoke about the defensive lineups late in games.

“A lot of teams go small on us, so coach is probably trying to match their small players," he said. "When they go small they can shoot, so it’s hard for me to go out to the three-point line and guard the shooter, so he’s just trying to match them, I guess."

Valanciunas is still only 22 years old and has a lot left to learn, but his efficiency has proved his worthiness to play big minutes.

In his last four games, Valanciunas has only missed seven shots, going 25-for-32 from the floor. Averaging a double-double in just over 23 minutes per game, Valanciunas' effectiveness around the basket needs to be commended.

Not only has his field-goal percentage been high, but his basketball intelligence was also on full display after finding an open Greivis Vasquez for a corner three-pointer in Toronto’s 105-100 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Valanciunas only has two multiassist games this season, so getting a dime is rare for the big man.

In an interview with the National Post’s Eric Koreeen, Valanciunas shared his thoughts about his passing game.

“That’s another step in my game,” said Valanciunas. “I’ve got to find a way to see the open pass, find a way to see open teammates. That’s what I’m working on. I want to get better at that. One pass is not enough. We’ve got to get some more."

Valanciunas’ minutes probably shouldn’t jump from 26.2 minutes to 36.2 minutes per game, but his usage percentage should rise. Valanciunas has a 17.0 usage rate, which is tied with Terrance Ross for fifth on the Raptors roster. 

No disrespect to Lou Williams, who has a 26.9 percent usage rate and could win the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award, but giving Valanciunas a few of his touches could add easier baskets and help spread the Raptors offense, which in turn would help their defense.

Koreen shared his thoughts on Twitter about Valanciunas’ playing time against the Timberwolves on March 18:

"

I have no earthly idea why Jonas is on the bench, but Raps are now up 6.

— Eric Koreen (@ekoreen) March 19, 2015"

Valanciunas’ defensive problems come from defending the perimeter, but his offensive presence can outweigh his defensive liabilities. His hook shot is almost unstoppable, and more touches for Valanciunas could mean fewer tight games and more wins for the Raptors.

The Raptors have scored 100 or more points in 35 of their 41 wins, so they should stick to what they're good at.

With the 14th-best field-goal percentage in the NBA, maybe the Raptors should give the ball to Valanciunas to try to run up the score instead of trying to defend it.

Statistics courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com.