As the 2023-24 NBA season unfolds, Jonas Valanciunas finds himself heading into the final year of his contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, with no extension agreement in place for the impending free agency.
According to Christian Clark of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Valanciunas remains resolutely focused on the present.
“I’m not thinking about that at all… I am just going to play hoop. To play basketball. It’s one year at a time. I am just going to leave everything out there. Where the future is going to take me, it’s a mystery,” the former No. 5 draft pick said.
The Lithuanian center emphasized the importance of living in the moment and savoring each game, regardless of the uncertainties that lie beyond the current season.
Valanciunas highlighted the unpredictable nature of the future, emphasizing the need to relish every opportunity and strive to perform at his best.
“Where the future is going to take me, it’s a mystery,” he said. “But it’s funny that way. You don’t know what can happen tomorrow. You have to enjoy today. You have to enjoy this year. You have to enjoy every game you play. You just try to be the best version of you. That’s what my approach is.”
Last season Valanciunas averaged 14.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 24.9 minutes per game.
