I think he would go anywhere from 4th to 7th in this years draft. Personally I consider Motiejunas a better prospect then Barnes(UNC), P.Jones(BU), T. Jones(KU), the Zeller brothers, Henson(UNC) and Sullinger(OU). Although its not a knock on these guys, its just that finding an agile, legit, 7'1 PF/C with the diverse skill-set that D-Mo possesses is very rare. In other words, the combination of his upside, skill set, along with his production against the high level competition he's faced puts him over the guys I listed IMO.
No way he's a better prospect than Barnes or Sullinger in the eyes of most NBA GMs. Maybe those other guys, but it's debatable.
He also went 9 of 5 from the line. Don't ask me how he shot all those extra freethrows. Dude's just amazing.
Did you watch NC's last 2 games? Barnes looked like a lost puppy out there. Barnes obviously cannot create for himself and he probably dropped out of the top 7. Sullinger came off somewhat better, but he is obviously not an elite athlete. How he fares when he is not the biggest body out there is certainly questionable. He does not have much of what will make Robinson a top 4 pick. Ball handling, serious quicks, and range out to the 3 point line.
No doubt that the performance's of Jones III, and Barnes this season (not just the tourney) has hurt their draft stock. IMO, Donatas and Jonas V. should rank much higher than those two based on what we have seen in relative competition. However, Kidd-G. and Sullinger's stock has risen quite a bit this season to sort of cancel everything out. You really just have no idea who is going to go where this year other than #1. This year's draft has no clear cut picks between 2 and 15 IMO, but if Donatas and Jonas V. were in the draft this season they should def. be in the top 10. Im assuming that the 2012 draft class will be the class of late 1st round/2nd round steals and polar opposite busts all over the place. One things for certain Donatas Montiejunas wont be considered a bust if he doesn't pan out because nobody in the media is paying much attention to him like they should be. If he does anything next season everyone will be talking about how Morey gets "steals" in the draft.
From what I've read, Barnes has taken a big hit in front of the eyes of scouts and NBA GM's and rightfully so. Barnes has had back to back horrific performances in the tournament and a very disappointing season. Not to mention he doesn't have any unique physical attribute that will make him a star at the NBA level. The only thing there is to like about him is that he has a knack for knocking down some big shots down the stretch. But then again so do guys like Derek Fisher and Jason Terry, and neither are close to being stars. As for Sullinger, I really like him as a prospect, and you gotta love his production and skill set. But his lack of physical talent, could limit his upside, which can take a big hit on his draft stock. Specially if he measures undersized for either front-line positions at the NBA combine.
I want reports on his heart and will-to-win. That's what makes the difference between elite skill players.
With the Dwight Howard question and everything, so you reckon the Rockets plan him to be our future starting PF / C ?? I hope PF which is our most glaring weakness.
We know he's obsessed with Eagles. His eagle stories in interviews are pretty comical, but at least he seems inspired by something. http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/scott_howard_cooper/06/17/motiejunas-feature/index.html
Morey and Rosas have both said that he's going to have to earn his minutes like everyone else. I dont think he will see time in the D-League unless he doesn't play quality defense at the start of next season, but you will def. see him in Summer league, and more than likely on the bench behind Scola next year. I also think the Rockets plan on bringing back Camby on a vet min. contract, and Dalembert(unless traded which is a big possibility with his buyout option). So I would just temper expectations if he doesn't see the floor much before the Feb 2013 trade deadline. Its likely he wont be able to beat out Scola and Patterson for minutes right off the bat. I hope he can though.
