Positionally, what can the man play in the NBA? Some 3? Some 5? Can he ultimately develop match-up issues requiring D-gameplanning?
The way I see it, he is strictly a 4. 3s would blow pass by him, and Dwight would routinely catch him and push him.
looks like D-mo will have no problems scoring whatsoever in the NBA, especially with the current leuage wide front court (defensive) talent.
If Dwight's the only guy to push him around, then he's golden at the 5. In today's NBA, positions are murky anyway. If he develops, he can probably play center the way Pau Gasol plays center. Works but not his natural position. This will especially be the case if Patterson can defend the more physical big men.
I can't see Motiejunas that way until he turns into a veteran, that is if he can establish himself in the league. But if I were to change my answer to the original question then yes, he can play "some" 5. To me Pau is a true 5 in a traditional way but with the quickness to play the 4, a trait that makes the latter his ideal position in this league.
I dont see him as a Pau Gasol type right now, but he could develop more in the post over time. Right now, he's a perimeter big, but not in a bad way. The best comparison Ive heard so far is Toni Kukoc. Go back and watch some old school highlights and you'll see it. There really isnt too many current players in the NBA Id compare him too as far as skillset goes. Depending on how he develops physically and his post play, he could be anywhere between a Kukoc/Turkaglo(perimeter playmaking big) or Sabonis/Gasol(skilled offensive post player). Right now he has raw talent in both areas. Its just unknown right now which style will best suit him in the NBA. All of those players mentioned have very good careers in the NBA mind you that. Getting him late in the 1st round in a very weak draft could turn out to be a huge steal.
I think in the long run he will end being a pure PF who could play some backup center minutes. Right now he can only fill the PF position. Pau also started his career playing SF-PF in Barcelona, with time he gained muscle, toughness and experience as a big man, but also we must consider that that he's a little bit taller, longer and has a wider frame by nature than Donatas. In any case, the more time passes, the best feelings I have on Motiejunas' case. It really looks good.
He is a pure power forward. I have no idea why people are confused about his position. He is a pure spread the floor power forward and nothing else.
Motiejunas Game Day against galatasaray (euroleague) match starts at 19:00 CET stream : http://www.firstrowsports.tv/watch/94023/1/watch-galatasaray-vs-asseco-prokom.html (it will work then match starts) livescore will be added later
http://live.euroleague.net/gamesjs.aspx?ig=euro_71&st=20&dp=CUTPCF167AE22Q27N5NPC4636&z=0 livescore if some1 needs
22 points 10 rebounds 3 steals 2 assists 4 blocks 30 eff against very strong team in Euroleague. His team lost after overtime only by 2 points.
What a flop by Prokom, 4th quarter meltdown 11' Rockets style. Motiejunas beast mode only lasted until I mentioned/jinxed him, the coach made him rest and that's when Galatasaray came back from 10 points down. I had to leave with 1:30 to go of regulation, would appreciate if someone can fill me in. This was the first time I watch him for real (youtube highlights don't count) and I'm impressed. Pros: -Rebounded well, although I think he can work on establishing better position. -Drew a lot of fouls, his defenders kept having trouble with him. -Had a stretch in the late second -early third quarter where he was all over the place, his team kept running the offense through him and it payed off, hope it was not just hot streak and he is catching momentum establishing himself as a leader of that team. He had 18 pts through 3 quarters. Cons: -He did commit some stupid mistakes (none on Jordan Hill's level... that I saw of, as now I look into the boxscore and I see he had some crunch time TO's) I think his development won't be compromised by a lack of intelligence. -He gave easy baskets while defending one on one but at least was very active on team defense. -Not once did I catch him setting a good screen after numerous tries.
I see no reason why the Rockets would want him over. No summer league, short training camp, and condensed season are all not conducive to developing rookies. Not to mention it will start his FA clock a year earlier when he's clearly not ready for the NBA. So if Motiejunas is willing to stay overseas for another year, I think Morey will be quite ecstatic.
