When it was first reported he signed a two year deal, it said that he DID have an NBA out clause. However, word of mouth from Morey, D-Mo's camp is that he's staying for the remainder of the year. I dunno with the recent developments in trade, and losing Chuck I wouldnt be surprised if Morey makes some phone calls to Europe to see what D-Mo's camp thinks because right now, there would be great opportunity for Donatas to actually get playing time this year.
Seriously, we need to get this guy to Houston ASAP! I'm tired of watching Jordan Hill and Hasheem Thabust look like r****ds on the court who look like it's there first time playing basketball.
Amazing. Really big (7 foot and 240), fast, great passing for a big man, got scary handles, dribbles and drives like a SF, range out to the 3 point line AND JUST TURNED 21! And yes I know this was a high lite reel. But still. Can't wait for him to show up in the Rockets camp next year. Dirk lite???
I wouldn't be shocked if Morey's co. might be making calls to D-Mo's camp about hoping on a flight this week to the states if they cant sign anyone. Just in an exploratory nature. Its still unlikely, but the Rockets are in deep trouble with only Hill/Thabeet/Scola/ Patterson (injured) in the post. Most likely Morris will have to have to transition to PF no matter what position he thinks he is he will be needed given injuries that are sure to happen. Chandler Parsons might need to grab a protein shake too cause his name might be called to get dirty in the post. I still think its more than likely that Morey trades for a vet. center on an existing contract like Al Jefferson, Kaman, Robin Lopez, etc. before he thinks about calling D-Mo over.
I agree, he actually might be one of the top 3 assets that the Rockets have as far as trade value goes right now as a top young prospect that actually has potential star value.
D-Mo's team has no chanses to make to Top16 in Euroleague so him going overseas this year makes sense. his contract includes NBA option, not sure about mid-season but I don't think buy-out would be big anyway. Trefl does not need him much as they are not making to top16. Still, they got chances to make to VTB playoffs (this league has quite strong league) but it's not the priority. I do believe, the main thing is situation in Rockets. If rockets can guarantee D-Mo some playing time, I'm sure he would go overseas. The main reason he's not on rockets roster because D-mo's camp think he will improve more in Euro this year as going overseas at the moment is a bit risky (same was with rubio 2 years ago, whem wolves signed both ricky and flynn).
Your completely right here, but that doesnt change that the Rockets plans for Donatas are most likely expediting beyond expectations. The recent changes in the Rockets plans to upgrade the front line in free agency/trades only add to the need for Donatas to be part of the rotation ASAP. Morey most likely thought he was years behind what he has shown this season in Europe, which is that he could actually help the Rockets out now. Even though bringing him over in this crazy shortened season with virtually no training camp would be irresponsible and not in the best interest of Donatas, its not out of question that the Rockets front office are monitoring Donatas' situation much more than they would have if there was no playing time available this season.
About playing time - currently it's not good situation for D-mo. He can't play C. He's pure PF at the moment. gasol deal would have made a difference. Gasol as C, scola out and D-mo could share PF minutes with Patterson.
Motiejūnas is great this season and it's obvious he has great potential, but don't forget Jonas Valančiūnas is two years younger. The latter already experienced things what Motiejūnas never saw at his age (Euroleague, Eurobasket!), Both Lithuanian bigs are great, just different. Both will kick some ass, but I won't go off topic. It's about Motiejūnas.
PF or Center/ SG or SF.... truth is the Rockets need post players. Donatas is not the guy you want to do all the dirty work under the basket that a post player listed as a Center normally would do, but whether they are listed as a Center or Power Forward, you have three types of players, point guards, wings, and post players. Donatas is a post player whether he wants to be or not. Plus, the better post players in the league are by far mostly listed as Power Forwards. More than likely, like with Scola, you put him on defense against the less superior offensive player which in most cases are the Centers. For example, you have a better shot winning if you have your less superior post player guarding Brendan Haywood as opposed to Dirk Nowitzki. The whole, is Donatas a PF or a Center talk really doesn't matter in the modern NBA.
I see this conversation alot with players like Donatas on is he a PF or a Center... truth of the matter is, he needs to be expected to guard either position on certain occasions on defense. For example on defense, if he's guarding Dwight Howard, he will be tossed around like a rag doll, and will most likely move over and guard Brandon Bass or Big Baby Davis. On offense, Im sure he will be able to play inside and out. He has an offensive post game that mostly resembles a power forward, but can play the stretch 5 like a Channing Frye or Bargnani. Like McHale said last week, I was long, so in the post I tried to get in a reaching contest. If your short, you want to rebound with your lower body. He will be just fine in situations, in others he will get tossed around like a rag doll, but it will be good for him in the longrun to build toughness.
I'm looking forward to seeing DMo a lot. He was getting some critisism for his lack of rebounding during the last draft but he has really changed that this season. I think at some point he will play the center position but with his flexiblity he looks to be have a lot of moves in the post as well as having the ability to play away from the basket. He is listed at 7 feet and almost 223 lbs but he looks solid, not at all skinny like he did a couple of years ago. I think he is going to be the steal of the 2011 draft.
Motiejūnas is not a center. As simple as that. I don't know why you guys are trying to convince your self that he can deal with that. That would be a waste of his talent. Give him 4 position and he will do his things. After few years he might be strong enough to play center as well, but not now. All that idea sounds crazy - to leave Prokom at the mid of the season and to throw him at center or C/PF. Not a good idea! If could get constant minutes at 4 (at least 10 minutes) that would be a good start for him off course and easier life in 2012/2013 season though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0it1e7DsCI&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL Full motiejunas highlights vs lietuvos rytas sorry for late highlights becouse i didint have time to create it enjoy
DMo is destined to be an All Star if he can keep it going. Definitely looks like the steal of the draft.
This dude is GOOD....been watchin him play...if he was in this season yall be suprise what he can do....woudn't have to worry about centers. even tho hes young but this dude can shoot rebound block shots and shoot and post up
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/B0it1e7DsCI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Great video to look at his free throw shooting form :grin:
