Jonas Valanciunas cleared to practice with Raptors

Since November 20th, the Raptors have gone 9-6 (10-6 if you include the Lakers game on that day). They've done this without their offensive fulcrum, the man who was having, easily, the best season of his young career, Jonas Valanciunas. Even with the positive record however, it's clear the Raptors miss Jonas' ability to generate relatively easier points. So, this health news (announced yesterday, I know, get off my back) is good:

The #Raptors announced Jonas Valanciunas has been cleared to return to practice. He injured his left hand Nov. 20 at LAL. #rtz

— RaptorsMR (@RaptorsMR) December 21, 2015

While it remains to be seen when exactly Valanciunas will be back on the court with opponents rather than just teammates, this is progress. I can think of no better gift to give the Raptors--Kyle Lowry, specifically--than one more warm body who can take on some of the burden of carrying this team.

We'll try to keep you updated on the situation.

UPDATE! (See, just like I promised):

Your morning Valanciunas update, courtesy Dwane Casey: Any chance he plays tonight? "I don't know". So, there's that.

— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) December 22, 2015

End of reporting.