Valanciunas comments on Jasikevicius chances of coaching in the NBA / News - Basketnews.com

Valanciunas thinks both Jasikevicius and Jokubaitis could have their place in the NBA.

Credit: Cole Burston/Getty Images/AFP; Valencia Basket/Miguel Angel Polo Credit Cole Burston/Getty Images/AFP; Valencia Basket/Miguel Angel Polo

Jonas Valanciunas is an 11-year NBA veteran. He's been part of three different teams, he's played 54 games in the playoffs. Now, the Lithuanian center looked at the possibilities of other players from his home country joining him in the league.

Jonas Valančiūnas

Team:New Orleans PelicansPosition:CAge:30Height:211 cmWeight:116 kgBirth place:Utena, LithuaniaProfileNewsStatistics

In an interview with Toni Canyameras from Mundo Deportivo, JV first was asked to evaluate the chances of current FC Barcelona head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius to work in the NBA.

"Jasikevicius is doing well. He always has his team high in the Euroleague [standings] and the [Spanish] league. He has a basketball brain, he's a fantastic coach," Valanciunas told. "He can do anything and he has the opportunity to go wherever he wants to go."

Jasikevicius is currently coaching one of the brightest young Lithuanian prospects - Rokas Jokubaitis, who was drafted by the New York Knicks two years ago. JV ultimately sees Jokubaitis in the NBA as well.

"Rokas next year in the NBA? I don't know. He is showing good basketball, playing good minutes. He has a good connection with Saras. He is doing well. If he continues like this and stays healthy and productive, this summer will be fantastic," the New Orleans Pelicans center said.

Valanciunas is averaging 14.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game this season. The Pelicans are currently 12th in the Western Conference with 35 wins and 37 losses but just one win away from a play-in spot. The team has 10 games left to play in the regular season.

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