NBA: Why the Toronto Raptors won't trade Jonas Valanciunas

Productivity

Toronto Raptors v Los Angeles Clippers

The current role coming off of the Raptors bench has not eroded his production. In an average of 22 plus minutes per game, last season, Valanciunas averaged 12.7 points per game. His scoring average is slightly higher this year averaging 18 plus minutes a game and 12.8 points per game.

Two seasons ago in nearly 26 minutes of playing time, per game, Valanciunas averaged 12 points per game. His rebounding is down from last year slightly at 7.2 per game, from 8.6 per game, last year.

His recent games tell the tale of his continued production and value to the Raptors. Last week, in a win over the 76ers, Valanciunas recorded 26 points and 8 rebounds. In 26 minutes in last Friday's loss to the Brooklyn Nets, Valanciunas scored 24 points and hauled in 8 rebounds. These are starter type results.

For the moment, the Raptors depth at the five spot, will be tested. Valanciunas suffered a dislocated thumb on his left hand. The injury occurred Wednesday in the Raptors dominant victory over the Golden State Warriors. It was a non-call hack-a -Shaq attack style play, a hand swipe, by a defending Draymond Green, to knock the ball away from Valanciunas.

Valanciunas required surgery and will be out of the Raptors line up for four weeks. Greg Monroe will be the beneficiary because of Valanciunas' injury. However, once he has recovered from this injury expect Valanciunas to be a Toronto Raptor for years to come.