http://www.eurobasket.com/team.asp?Cntry=Poland&Team=1589&Page=2 Donatas Motiejunas ends his Euro season in March http://www.eurobasket.com/team.asp?Cntry=Spain&Team=86&Page=2 Sergio Llull ends his Euro season in May hope to get these guys in next season!!
I assume since it looks like NOT ONE of the 09 draft busts have earned a contract extension, there should be room on the roster to bring over both Lull and Montiejunas. The biggest question mark will be, can Montiejunas play the post with another PF at the same time?? The Rockets have their starting Center for another season but desperately need depth at the big spots. Lull should get brought over as well given that Dragic will most likely get traded or be allowed to walk for a decent payday elsewhere. The Rockets will probably have to pay a buyout I assume so he might come at a cost. Bringing D-Mo over though should be priority #1 in the summer.
Your right Williams couldn't even get time when Lee was out and Hill's minutes have dropped big time so no to all 09 busts. Motiejunas will be over next season just need to move Scola by the end of the off-season to make room at the PF position. If Morey is high on that kid Meyers Leonard then that would help big time. Llull may very well come at a cost but he said he's not looking to come over to sit on the bench so with Dragic's contract expiring and Flynn's option hopefully not getting picked up it would be in their best interest to go ahead and bring him over.
Motiejunas will be in Houston the next season, take it for granted. Not sure about Llull. In March finishes the Regular Season, the playoffs begin. The problem is that his team is currently out of playoff positions. Still 10 RS games remaining. Also, I guess they are automtically qualified for the playoffs of the polish league... Anyway, this is already a crappy level. I have a doubt about one interesting matter, in case that his team doesn't qualify for the VTB playoffs. Hopefully I can solve the doubt for tomorrow and write here about it.
I think if Montiejunas is matched up with the right PF(banger in the post, can guard either position depending on matchups) then you could look at playing him and Patterson off the bench. Given that Patterson does prove he can be that banger off the post. Monty can sure rebound overseas, I assume that will translate in the NBA on a similar level. He's going to want to play the perimeter like he's been allowed to do in Europe, but if doing some dirty work gets him on the court sooner, he should be ok at the 5 or 4 matched up with Patterson off the bench. Scola will be tough to move in the offseason given his contract, and Im not sure yet if Patterson is really the answer as the full time starter. Obviously Morey will move Scola if the right move is there, but if its not for an upgrade then I doubt he moves him.
Yup next year. After we attain a top 5 pick and get Donuts a fellow superstar big through the draft to play along side with.
Another note to this.... In the last 6 games Donuts has seen more minutes and his production has actually increased. He is around 31 mpg in the last 6 games and his numbers are about 16.4 ppg and 10 rpg, so per 36 those numbers would be even better. His shooting percentages increased with the increased minutes as well.
Motiejūnas 33 min 21 points (4/5 2FG, 2/5 3FG, 7/9 FT), 9 rebounds 1 steal, 2 assists,1 block, 26 eff. In VTB versus Eurocup top 16 team.
RT @LithuaniaBasket D.Motiejunas had 21 pts (6/10 FG,2/5 3PT,7/9 FT), 9 boards, 2 ast, 1 stl & 1 blk 4 Asseco Prokom against CEZ Nymburk
I have a hard time believing this guy wouldnt go in the top 8 in the draft this summer after the year he's having. The Rockets need to get him over here ASAP.
Top 8? Try top 3-4. After Davis, Drummond and maybe one other prospect he'd likely be the next pick, esp. after that 21 reb game. Analysts will be quick to point out he did his damage competing against grown men 5 to 10 years his age.
I've been a big Motiejunas fan for a while -- hell, I was mad the Rockets didn't take him at #14. Went nuts when we got him at #20. Hope he continues to develop -- but you gotta just love the offensive skill you have to work with.
Article about the Lithuanian national team deciding on the Toyota Center for a training camp in June http://translate.google.com/ http://www.lrytas.lt/-1327769202132...otelė-prieš-olimpinę-atranką-po-nba-stogu.htm Motiejunas didn't make the final cut last year but it's training camp so maybe the Rockets will get a closer look sooner.
