Lithuania national team's star Jonas Valanciunas will miss the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifier Tournament in Puerto Rico due to being an NBA free agent ahead of the tournament.
Unfortunate news for the Lithuanian national team: Jonas Valanciunas of the New Orleans Pelicans will miss the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifier Tournament.
Jonas Valančiūnas
| Team: |
New Orleans Pelicans |
| Position: | C |
| Age: | 32 |
| Height: | 211 cm |
| Weight: | 120 kg |
| Birth place: | Utena, Lithuania |
The announcement was made at a press conference attended by BasketNews in Palanga, Lithuania.
"Jonas definitely wants to play for the national team, and the insurance situation is not a problem," Lithuanian Basketball Federation Secretary General Mindaugas Balciunas said in a press conference that was attended by Basketews in Palanga, Lithuania. "The condition we can't meet is that Jonas must be healthy at the beginning of July when signing the contract. No one can guarantee that. For 18 years, Jonas has understood Lithuania by representing the national team."
"If the situation doesn't change drastically, Lithuania will have to understand Jonas. He will be with the team, the goals remain the same, and we have a strong team fully capable of achieving all the goals. We will go to Puerto Rico with one goal. After that, Jonas will fully join," Balciunas added.
Balciunas is referring to NBA free agency rules. Since Valanciunas is currently a free agent, his camp cannot start negotiating until June 30, and he cannot sign a new contract until July 6.
"He will be with the team, the goals remain the same, and we have a strong team fully capable of achieving all the goals. We will go to Puerto Rico with one goal. After that, Jonas will fully join," Balciunas concluded.
The New Orleans Pelicans star also commented on the news, expressing his disappointment for not being able to play.
"It's unfortunate. This is the first time in my life that I can't be a player," Valanciunas stated in the same press conference. "I am there in spirit, and with my advice, I will be with the team, I will train, and I believe I will be preparing for the Olympics. I hope Lithuania will understand me. In Paris, we will do what we need to do."
Valanciunas will be replaced by Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas. In addition, the injured Augustas Marciulionis will be replaced by Vaidas Kariniauskas.
Finally, the Pelicans big man, who is currently a free agent, discussed his future.
"I did my job during the season; now it's the agents' turn, with negotiations and talks with clubs. I won't comment or highlight anything specific; it's ongoing. We're in the middle of it now. We'll know everything in July," Valanciunas revealed.
The Lithuanian international averaged 12.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in the 2023-24 NBA season.
Lithuania 16-man roster for Olympic Qualifiers
| Player | Team |
| Rokas Jokubaitis | FC Barcelona |
| Lukas Lekavicius | Zalgiris |
| Tomas Dimsa | Zalgiris |
| Vaidas Kariniauskas | BC Wolves |
| Deividas Sirvydis | Free agent |
| Marius Grigonis | Panathinaikos |
| Rokas Giedraitis | Crvena Zvezda |
| Arnas Butkevicius | Zalgiris |
| Edgaras Ulanovas | Zalgiris |
| Mindaugas Kuzminskas | Free agent |
| Tadas Sedekerskis | Baskonia |
| Eimantas Bendzius | Dinamo Sassari |
| Domantas Sabonis | Sacramento Kings |
| Donatas Motiejunas | AS Monaco |
| Motiejus Krivas | Arizona Wildcats (NCAA) |
| Azuolas Tubelis | Rytas Vilnius |
