Donatas Motiejunas already participated in his first practice on the new team and it means he will wear New Orleans Pelicans jersey. By the way, 12th jersey number isn’t random. “I do feel a little heaviness in muscles. The practice is also felt by a few bumps received. But it’s fine. I’m happy that waiting is finally over and I can already play”, - said one of the best lithuanian basketball player. 26 years old player didn’t reveal if he will be playing on the upcoming Pelicans game on January 6 vs. Hawks. According to him, it’s only a matter of time when he will get on court. The main goal for him – help the team to reach play-offs. Donatas Motiejunas told as much as he could about the situation with Houston Rockets team, which he was part of for four years, and which destroyed his agreement with Nets for 37 mil. dollars. In this story many criticism by fans got his agent BJ Armstrong. D-Mo evaluated his agent job and told about his experience on book-worth story. What you did in your first practice? As usual, on the first day I met with all coaches. Got many conversations, learned the principles of the game on the defense and offense. Also did many individual workouts. I still a lot of that to reach my game-ready form but gradually I am moving forward to that. Glad I finally will be able to play. Why did you chose Pelicans? I’ve got a conversation with the coach. They have many ideas regarding my role on the team and position I can play in. They see me as an important piece of the team - they need player like me. Many things happened and I chose them. I’m ready to play wherever they tell me and do whatever they tell me. In New Orleans are a few familiar faces – ex-Rockets T. Jones and Omer Asik. Will it help to integrate faster on the team? Yes, we already got a practice together today. It was nice to meet them. They were with me since my first NBA season so that was fun. When can we expect you to play on the court? It all depends on the coach decision. I had work outs daily for five hours to get ready. Now it's hard to say when because it doesn't depend on me but should be soon. Can it be the next game? No one knows. Their game philosophy is similar to Houston when I played so it won’t be too hard to adjust. Your salary in the NO is 1 mil. till the end of the season. Was it big disappointment for you regarding the financial part? Absolutely no disappointment. Most important for me now is to play on the court. If it all will be fine, money will come in time, later. Now I just have to step up on the court. Donatas, explain, why did Houston decided to reclaim 37 mil. Brooklyn’s contract but after that released you? You got left without the multimillion contract and without the opportunity to play for the Nets. Was it something with the medical? What happened? All I can say is that all what showed up on the media was from the team. And what showed up is only 10 percent of what all already happened. And only five percent of what showed up was truth I don’t want to get in business with that anymore. It’s all past. It is as it is. I’m not disappointed. I’m happy I’m back to the game. To the team which respects me as a person and as a player. But all that situation given impression that when you agreed with Brooklyn and that contract was reclaimed by Houston, you didn’t want to play for Houston. I really want to refute such statement. There were a lot of things which showed that I do want to play for the Rockets. I was fine for me to play on the both of the teams. But until now it never happened that team has ever said “No” for all the bonuses and etc. It happened for me. But when we finally reached agreement and I came to the court, they told me to go home. Did you part ways with Houston friendly? I don’t have any rage at them. Just want to thank for all four years spend there. This city will have a big place in my heart. I have close friends here. But even NBA players association had to step up. What they did? Why they stepped up? Maybe after that situation there will be some “D-Mo” rule? I think so. And more than one. There was, are and will be players from association regarding that because this case is not over yet. Only time will show how it will all go on. I have read an article from close to Rockets reporter that this case was nothing less that Daryl Morey vs. D-Mo. How much truth is there? I think this question should be asked to Rockets GM. There is still no explanation from them why they did it. I did what was the best for me. Now I’m free and I’m happy. Many attention got your agent BJ Armstrong. How could you rate his job in those stories? BJ got a lot of pressure from everywhere. Got a lot of angry words. I think his guilt here was minimal. Biggest culprits were left behind. They are undisturbed. But my agent doesn’t afraid to take all responsibility and he did. I’m happy for that. He did his job. Now I just want to get on court and do my job and it will all sort out. So you will continue to work with BJ? Definitely. I’m okay with him. We are talk openly between each other and there are no problems here. If we do some mistakes, we are not afraid to accept it. That is cooperation. He does his job really professionally and I don’t have any problems with it. Relationship with Brooklyn organization is over now? Couldn’t be otherwise. I called them and thanked for the opportunity. Unfortunate it happened because they really wanted to see me. And when it all started they even called NBA and asked to trade me. But rules are written and it couldn’t have been done otherwise. It’s sad my career didn’t tilt to Brooklyn but there is nothing bad what will not turn to good. It should be an interesting feeling when after four years you are free and can choose from. It may be Cleveland, may be Los Angeles, Minnesota, Brooklyn, Boston or some other city. Psychologically it’s really interesting feeling. That’s the point. When you are first-round pick, you have to evaluate the risk that your contract can be extended for four more years. Then THAT can happen. But I’m happy I reached agreement with New Orlean team. I see possibilities to reach play-offs and will do everything from my part to make it. Shortly, you will play your first game after 8 months. Pace, contracts, responsibility… Do you have a fear? Last 3-4 months I was working out every day. Every day I had a thought that I will play soon so I don’t have any fear. Just feel the joy I will finally be able to play basketball again. All that story turned out longer than expected. But now I’m happy for myself and for my agent that we got our point. For what is right in our opinion and that’s one of the most important thing in life. Many will say I didn’t agree to qualifying offer, I didn’t this and that, I lost much money and etc. Yes, in short term I’ve lost but I will get it later. I don’t see any problem. I’m happy I wasn’t the pawn. In this situation no one has won. Did you have any thoughts to go back to the Europe? Yes, I did. My agent Tadas Bulotas said I got a lot of attention. I think mostly it was Barcelona. We talked a lot and we were thinking about it but I think my best chances are in here in NBA. I believe I will be back to Europe someday but for now my best decision is to play in the NBA. You are only 26 years old but in your career, you already got a lot of experience, which is worth a book. What do you think about that? Alright, we will sit down one day and write everything about all that together. Only if you tell it will all the details… With details, every step. That should be interesting (laughing). So are you sure you will be playing for the Pelicans? Yes. Contract is signed, already got a team practice (laughing). So it’s over – I will be playing. My parents told me to inform them when it will all sort out. So I did. Finally. I’m happy (laughing). By the way, why 12th jersey number? It was my number since the childhood. I played for Zalgiris reserves with that number. When I came to Houston it was taken by Patrick Beverly. Later, Dwight Howard took it. Credit Reddit
Of course he's going to tell himself that. But facts are facts. Dude just lost millions of dollars. Played his hand badly and got burned. Doesn't matter what the reasons were... he chose poorly.
Spoiler: Full translated interview of Dmo Donatas Motiejunas already participated in his first practice on the new team and it means he will wear New Orleans Pelicans jersey. By the way, 12th jersey number isn’t random. “I do feel a little heaviness in muscles. The practice is also felt by a few bumps received. But it’s fine. I’m happy that waiting is finally over and I can already play”, - said one of the best lithuanian basketball player. 26 years old player didn’t reveal if he will be playing on the upcoming Pelicans game on January 6 vs. Hawks. According to him, it’s only a matter of time when he will get on court. The main goal for him – help the team to reach play-offs. Donatas Motiejunas told as much as he could about the situation with Houston Rockets team, which he was part of for four years, and which destroyed his agreement with Nets for 37 mil. dollars. In this story many criticism by fans got his agent BJ Armstrong. D-Mo evaluated his agent job and told about his experience on book-worth story. What you did in your first practice? As usual, on the first day I met with all coaches. Got many conversations, learned the principles of the game on the defense and offense. Also did many individual workouts. I still a lot of that to reach my game-ready form but gradually I am moving forward to that. Glad I finally will be able to play. Why did you chose Pelicans? I’ve got a conversation with the coach. They have many ideas regarding my role on the team and position I can play in. They see me as an important piece of the team - they need player like me. Many things happened and I chose them. I’m ready to play wherever they tell me and do whatever they tell me. In New Orleans are a few familiar faces – ex-Rockets T. Jones and Omer Asik. Will it help to integrate faster on the team? Yes, we already got a practice together today. It was nice to meet them. They were with me since my first NBA season so that was fun. When can we expect you to play on the court? It all depends on the coach decision. I had work outs daily for five hours to get ready. Now it's hard to say when because it doesn't depend on me but should be soon. Can it be the next game? No one knows. Their game philosophy is similar to Houston when I played so it won’t be too hard to adjust. Your salary in the NO is 1 mil. till the end of the season. Was it big disappointment for you regarding the financial part? Absolutely no disappointment. Most important for me now is to play on the court. If it all will be fine, money will come in time, later. Now I just have to step up on the court. Donatas, explain, why did Houston decided to reclaim 37 mil. Brooklyn’s contract but after that released you? You got left without the multimillion contract and without the opportunity to play for the Nets. Was it something with the medical? What happened? All I can say is that all what showed up on the media was from the team. And what showed up is only 10 percent of what all already happened. And only five percent of what showed up was truth I don’t want to get in business with that anymore. It’s all past. It is as it is. I’m not disappointed. I’m happy I’m back to the game. To the team which respects me as a person and as a player. But all that situation given impression that when you agreed with Brooklyn and that contract was reclaimed by Houston, you didn’t want to play for Houston. I really want to refute such statement. There were a lot of things which showed that I do want to play for the Rockets. I was fine for me to play on the both of the teams. But until now it never happened that team has ever said “No” for all the bonuses and etc. It happened for me. But when we finally reached agreement and I came to the court, they told me to go home. Did you part ways with Houston friendly? I don’t have any rage at them. Just want to thank for all four years spend there. This city will have a big place in my heart. I have close friends here. But even NBA players association had to step up. What they did? Why they stepped up? Maybe after that situation there will be some “D-Mo” rule? I think so. And more than one. There was, are and will be players from association regarding that because this case is not over yet. Only time will show how it will all go on. I have read an article from close to Rockets reporter that this case was nothing less that Daryl Morey vs. D-Mo. How much truth is there? I think this question should be asked to Rockets GM. There is still no explanation from them why they did it. I did what was the best for me. Now I’m free and I’m happy. Many attention got your agent BJ Armstrong. How could you rate his job in those stories? BJ got a lot of pressure from everywhere. Got a lot of angry words. I think his guilt here was minimal. Biggest culprits were left behind. They are undisturbed. But my agent doesn’t afraid to take all responsibility and he did. I’m happy for that. He did his job. Now I just want to get on court and do my job and it will all sort out. So you will continue to work with BJ? Definitely. I’m okay with him. We are talk openly between each other and there are no problems here. If we do some mistakes, we are not afraid to accept it. That is cooperation. He does his job really professionally and I don’t have any problems with it. Relationship with Brooklyn organization is over now? Couldn’t be otherwise. I called them and thanked for the opportunity. Unfortunate it happened because they really wanted to see me. And when it all started they even called NBA and asked to trade me. But rules are written and it couldn’t have been done otherwise. It’s sad my career didn’t tilt to Brooklyn but there is nothing bad what will not turn to good. It should be an interesting feeling when after four years you are free and can choose from. It may be Cleveland, may be Los Angeles, Minnesota, Brooklyn, Boston or some other city. Psychologically it’s really interesting feeling. That’s the point. When you are first-round pick, you have to evaluate the risk that your contract can be extended for four more years. Then THAT can happen. But I’m happy I reached agreement with New Orlean team. I see possibilities to reach play-offs and will do everything from my part to make it. Shortly, you will play your first game after 8 months. Pace, contracts, responsibility… Do you have a fear? Last 3-4 months I was working out every day. Every day I had a thought that I will play soon so I don’t have any fear. Just feel the joy I will finally be able to play basketball again. All that story turned out longer than expected. But now I’m happy for myself and for my agent that we got our point. For what is right in our opinion and that’s one of the most important thing in life. Many will say I didn’t agree to qualifying offer, I didn’t this and that, I lost much money and etc. Yes, in short term I’ve lost but I will get it later. I don’t see any problem. I’m happy I wasn’t the pawn. In this situation no one has won. Did you have any thoughts to go back to the Europe? Yes, I did. My agent Tadas Bulotas said I got a lot of attention. I think mostly it was Barcelona. We talked a lot and we were thinking about it but I think my best chances are in here in NBA. I believe I will be back to Europe someday but for now my best decision is to play in the NBA. You are only 26 years old but in your career, you already got a lot of experience, which is worth a book. What do you think about that? Alright, we will sit down one day and write everything about all that together. Only if you tell it will all the details… With details, every step. That should be interesting (laughing). So are you sure you will be playing for the Pelicans? Yes. Contract is signed, already got a team practice (laughing). So it’s over – I will be playing. My parents told me to inform them when it will all sort out. So I did. Finally. I’m happy (laughing). By the way, why 12th jersey number? It was my number since the childhood. I played for Zalgiris reserves with that number. When I came to Houston it was taken by Patrick Beverly. Later, Dwight Howard took it.
Sounds a lot like DMo has a major beef with Morey, and it is not over with the league? Hmmmmm, interesting. If DMo proves healthy it will be a major mistake on Morey, if he has more back problems Morey will have been right, will be interesting. DD
If he proves to be halfway healthy, it still does not mean he can get back to his 12 ppg and 6 or 7 boards At least right away.
DMo is in denial. Just like he said the Pistons were going to have to answer for failing his physical and nothing ever happened. Now he says the Rockets matched his contract, but didn't match the incentives and says that has never been done before which is not true. BJ feeding this kid lies after screwing up so that he doesn't get fired and he is trusting his word. BJ has proven his incompetence many times over. Fire him! He agreed to a new contract with the Rockets, but they sent him home and never even told him why they released him? That sounds like lies too. But...the truth will come out I guess, just like it did in Detroit. One thing we learned is what Brooklyn's involvement here was after the Rockets decided to let him go which was a mystery. He says they asked the NBA if they could trade for him and they denied it because of the rules. Surely they also inquired about allowing the contract Houston initially matched to be allowed since Houston didn't want him anymore prior to asking to be able to trade for him. Hence the Rockets, Nets and the NBA working on a resultion news leak we heard about.
A lot of salty Rockets fans on twitter LOL!!! Good thing for Dmo is that he can make up those $7-8mil lost if he proves healthy for the rest of the year and plays solid.
He can make that money up if he can get a 3 year contract north of 34 million. We'll see if anybody is willing to pay him over 11 million dollars a year. Not impossible I suppose, but I wouldn't say it's likely. Let's see how he plays and if he can stay healthy for the rest of the year. I remember when the Detroit trade was rescinded and he came back, he had to go out again with that back problem and missed more time so they could work on strengthening the muscles around the problem area. I must admit, I'm looking forward to seeing how this plays out.
600K vs. an immediate payment of $5.1m, obviously DMo and BJ had nothing in the wings. Vet min tells us no team was very trusting of his repaired back. Asserting that if DMo plays well then somehow that is evidence that Morey made a mistake is rather silly. Cost to us minimum was $5m+ to take the risk, Pelicans just risking $600k to find out.
Not sure how it will be a major mistake for Morey. DMo is a passable role player and not much more. He's the very definition of a replacement player. The Pelicans aren't morphing into anything special over his arrival, and the Rockets clearly are okay without him. Now...the noticeable beef he has with the Rockets is interesting, but I'd be salty too if I lost out on a guaranteed $30 mil. Maybe the Rockets didn't like his health. Maybe Morey just changed his mind and screwed him over. In the end...who cares?
You left out one question/answer NBA pay you how much to keep quiet? DMo (laughing) - Oh millions and millions. $600,000 is pig slop compared to amount I will be making
Yeah, I'm not quite sure of this either, but then again, I've also never heard of an RFA and a team tussling over unmatched incentives like this before. On the other hand, this may be because most agents are wise enough not to put their clients in such a vulnerable position in the first place.
Please put this to bed!! But while it's still awake, what happened to the monster Jazz offer waiting in the wings that Jopataholic kept insisting was out there?
