NBA Rumors: Former Raptor Could Be Getting Championship Ring For Dedication

One of the key players for the Toronto Raptors last NBA season was Jonas Valanciunas. The Lithuanian was not part of the final roster that copped the 2018-19 NBA crown but it appears that he could be getting a ring anyway. The reason for this classy gesture is that the Raptors may be recognizing the key figures that contributed to their road to success.

Valanciunas was traded by the Raptors at the NBA trade deadline last February to the Memphis Grizzlies along with Delon Wright, C.J. Miles and a 2024 second-round pick in exchange for Marc Gasol, NBA.com reported. The 7-footer was one of the coveted players last season although it appears he has blossomed following that move to Memphis. From 12 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, the Lithuanian big man upped his numbers to 19.9 points and 10.7 rebounds in 19 games.

Regardless, it was Valanciunas' dedication and commitment to the Raptors that is undeniable. Rarely would teams be recognizing and including past players (for a current season) in their success. In the case of the 5th overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, it appears he will be getting a ring even if he was not part of the final roster that bagged the 2018-19 NBA title.

Currently in China for the FIBA World Cup, Valanciunas shared an interesting exchange between him and Raptors guard Kyle Lowry.

“Kyle texted me and said, ‘What’s your ring size?’” he said in a video interview via Lori Ewin of @Ewingsports. At first, it seemed the 27-year-old was lost on the question and even joked about it.

"I asked him, ‘What, wedding ring?"’ Valanciunas retorted. "We’ll see. I’m hopeful."

If Valanciunas does get an NBA ring and some credit for his contributions to the Raptors 2018-19 campaign, it will be a rare gesture but a class act. Seeing how he spent almost seven years with the Raptors franchise and contributed fairly well, being recognized is something the Lithuanian will undoubtedly cherish.

Moving forward, however, there is no question Valanciunas will continue to shine. He has already shown glimpses of that last season and the Lithuanian is expected to get a whole lot better with the Grizzlies or other teams where he could end up moving.