Im not completely sure about that, but I do know he's a wildcard. No GM out there is going to give you an All-Star player back for Donatas alone. It really just depends on the GM and if they totally fell in love with him this year in Europe or if they were even paying attention to notice. I do agree though that he is most likely very undervalued on the market.
I've mostly seen stats so I'm not too familiar with Donut's agility and athleticism. Is he comparable to Dirk in that respect? The reason being is that from what I've read he would be most serviceable from the PF position? And if this is true, a tall line up of him and (insert center) would be interesting IMO.
This is what I found, sorry if they show old highlights. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/doS5Mc1iYog" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OENjFykO8iU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
From the games that I've seen, he looks and moves a lot like Chris Bosh. He's very light in the pants and struggles to defend the post, but is very quick for a seven footer.
It's probably the easiest player to compare him to. Great with both hands and has fantastic touch while being weak but effective on the boards. For a PF that's ok as long as you match him up with a true Center.
With Moteijunas coming over next season, the lineup will be vast different. Camby / Moteijunas / Dalembert Scola / Patterson / 1st round pick Parson / Budinger / Morris Martin / Lee / (1st round pick) Lowry / Drajic / Lull 2nd round pick ---> to stash in Europe I think that Martin, Lowry, Scola, Dalembert could all be traded in the offseason. But this team will be drastically different when the team tips off to start next season. I think they try their hardest to bring Drajic back (but won't overpay), and if they can come to terms with Drajic they'll trade Lowry. But I will be looking forward to seeing Moteijunas and Lull wear Rocket uniforms.
I agree with the Bosh or Toni Kukoc comparison as far as stature, style of play, and being a lefty. He's not like Dirk at all IMO. Dirk is a freak, and has an offensive game thats different than anyone else thats ever played the game. The first knock D-Mo had when getting drafted is that he was scouted heavily from a very young age and was unfairly labeled as being a weakling who could never defend the post in the NBA. I remember watching the Nike Hoops Summit years ago and him falling all over the place when someone barely tapped him. Then this past summer scouts had already seen him for two straight years, and I think alot of GM's sort of thought he is who he is, and wont get much better than he is. I think he's already proved people wrong even despite playing overseas. I dont think he's a full time center, but he should be perfectly capable of playing the position at times in his career. Especially after a few seasons of getting used to playing NBA defense. For D-Mo and the Rockets, its going to be about how he fits in the rotation more than anything. You might see him play in lineups at the 3 alongside Dally & Scola, and you might see him play the 5 with Parsons at the 4. Its all about lineup adjustments and what McHale is trying to accomplish.
After your post I want to share my opinion again First of all, I can't say that his style is a bit similar like Bosh. Thin, great shooter and etc. Dirk's future? Why not? Dirk played in the unknown Germany league even not 1st ar 2nd league if I remember it good. Donatas is playing in Euroleague, second league in the world. He repeated the rebounds record (22 or 21 idk now), and we saw what this young fella can do when you TRUST him, when you give him the ball, let him play his game. Also I can't forget to mention his progress in the paint. Post hooks, post spins, braveness on the board - these are all skills that we couldn't say on D-Mo's game a few years ago. He's talented, he has a great hand and with his character he could become a great PF in the NBA. Not so strong on the board as he is in the Europe but really hard to stop. He is quick, his dribble as a big man are superb and most important - he can be a leader. Show this guy that you are with his, that you trust him and believe me, he will give us a lot great moments. Also I can't say much about McHale cuz I am not american and don't know all the Rockets kitchen well but I think McHale like the guys like Donatas. In a 1-2 years he could change Scola in the starting five. That 5 will be faster, but not so well on the board. Next season plans: Dragič, Lowry (would be nice to trade him) Lee, Martin (we could try to get a pick and draft A.Rivers) Parsons, Bud Scola, D-Mo, Pat And for the C's, despite Camby's game I want to see star player in this poz. like Al Jefferson or smb. But this 2013 fantasy five would be as fast as Bolt Dragič, Rivers, Parsons, Motiejūnas and C Waitin for replies Sorry for my grammar D
All white / whitest starting line-up in the NBA next season? It can happen Dragic Lee (what is he, half african - half caucasian?) Parsons D-Mo Leonard
Scola is going to lose out to Motie the same way Budinger lost out to Parsons. Scola does not play great defense. If Motie can stay out of fowl trouble, and play good defense and rebound the ball better, he will supplant Scola much sooner, maybe in the offseason. Scola is a wise veteran, don't let me fool you, but even with veterans, McHale wants the whole package, not just part of the package. If Motie can play good defense, rebound well, and sometimes score, then he will already be better than Patterson to play backup minutes. Motie can also play spot at the 5 because Camby can't bring it 100% all game, and Dalembert can't bring it 100% for more than a few minutes, so there are windows of opportunity there. Heck, play Scola with Motie, and let Scola do his scoring, and let Motie focus on defense/rebounding. At least it will feel more comfortable to fans to have a 7 ft PF next to Scola instead of Patterson.
I agree with u RocketsMAN! But Rockets could use Donatas Offensive skills too. If he only try to rebound and defense his offensive skills won't show up He has a great hand so lets use it! About changing Scola sooner - it is possible.
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He's a 4 and that's how we need 2 start him off we can work him into the 5 sometimes (Pau gasol) if we play him at the 5 right away we will ruin this kid
Doesn't it depend on the matchup? Is Motiejunas going to be OK defending, say, Tim Duncan, but not Bonner/Splitter? Will he do fine against Chris Bosh but get ruined against Joel Anthony?
