Jonas Valančiūnas Biography
Jonas Valančiūnas is a highly skilled professional basketball player from Lithuania, currently making an impact as a center for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. Born on May 6, 1992, in the town of Utena, Lithuania, he has grown into one of the league’s most reliable big men. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 11 inches and weighing 265 pounds, Valančiūnas brings both size and skill to the court.
His journey to the NBA began when he was selected as the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors. Over the years, he has played for multiple teams, including the Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, and Washington Wizards, consistently demonstrating his ability to contribute offensively and defensively. His physical presence, strong rebounding, and scoring efficiency have earned him a reputation as a dominant force in the paint.
Beyond his contributions to the NBA, Valančiūnas has been a crucial member of the Lithuanian national basketball team, playing an integral role in their international success. His efforts on the national stage have helped Lithuania secure silver medals in the EuroBasket tournaments of 2013 and 2015, where he showcased his talent against Europe’s best players.
His exceptional performances in the 2015 tournament even earned him All-Tournament Team honors, solidifying his status as one of the top European players of his generation. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated not only individual excellence but also a commitment to teamwork and national pride, making him a respected figure in both the NBA and international basketball.
Jonas Valančiūnas’s age and birthday
Valančiūnas was born on May 6, 1992, in Utena, Lithuania, and his zodiac sign is Taurus.
Jonas Valančiūnas’s height and weight
Valančiūnas is 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 meters) tall and weighs approximately 265 pounds (120 kilograms). He has blue eyes and brown hair.
Jonas Valančiūnas’s educational background
Valančiūnas attended Utenos Saules Gymnasium in his hometown of Utena, Lithuania. Additionally, he honed his basketball skills at the Utena Sports School and later at the Vilnius Basketball School, where he trained under experienced coaches who helped shape his professional career.
Jonas Valančiūnas’s dating life, spouse and children
Valančiūnas married Eglė Valančiūnienė, a Lithuanian national with expertise in law and management. The couple met in 2013, started dating, and married later that same year. They have two sons together—Jonas Jr., their first child, was born on March 12, 2015, and they welcomed their second son in 2017.
Jonas Valančiūnas’s nationality and ethnicity
Valančiūnas is Lithuanian by nationality and belongs to the white ethnicity, reflecting his European heritage.
Jonas Valančiūnas’s parents and siblings
Valančiūnas was raised primarily by his mother, Danutė Valančiūnienė, as his parents were never married. His father, Jonas Vilkas, was a rowing master in the former U.S.S.R. and maintained a close relationship with Jonas throughout his childhood.
Jonas Valančiūnas career
Valančiūnas began his professional basketball career in 2008 with Perlas Vilnius, a Lithuanian team, where he showcased his potential in the Lithuanian National Basketball League (NKL). In 2010, he joined Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius, a top-tier Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) team, and quickly made a name for himself by winning the LKL championship and earning multiple individual accolades, including LKL MVP and LKL Most Improved Player awards.
The Toronto Raptors selected Jonas Valančiūnas as the 5th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, but he continued playing in Europe for another year before making his NBA debut in 2012. During his time with the Raptors, he developed into a dependable center and earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2013. After spending seven seasons in Toronto, the Raptors traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019, where he established himself as a dominant force in the paint, consistently averaging double-doubles in points and rebounds.
In 2021, Valančiūnas joined the New Orleans Pelicans, further proving his skills as an elite rebounder and efficient scorer. He later played for the Washington Wizards before signing with the Sacramento Kings in 2025. Throughout his NBA career, he has built a reputation for his strong presence in the post, consistent scoring, and rebounding ability, making him a valuable asset to every team he has played for.
On the international stage, Valančiūnas has been a cornerstone of the Lithuanian national basketball team since the age of 19. He has won silver medals at EuroBasket 2013 and EuroBasket 2015, earning All-Tournament honors in the latter. His contributions to Lithuanian basketball have made him one of the country\’s most celebrated athletes.
Jonas Valančiūnas’s net worth and salary
Valančiūnas has amassed a net worth of $35 million, primarily earning it through his NBA contracts and endorsements. For the 2024-25 NBA season, he will receive a base salary of $9.9 million under his contract with the Sacramento Kings. Throughout his career, he has earned over $145 million.
Jonas Valančiūnas’s social media handles: Twitter, Facebook & Instagram
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