Prior to last season DMo was a top 5 pick in a lot of lotteries. If he had come out a year earlier he was a sure lottery. His stock took a major hit last year when his rebound numbers were so bad and hung out on the perimeter shooting 3s but this year his rebound numbers were outstanding and he spent a lot more time in the post showing off his post game. Usually athletic 7 footers that can rebound and play in the post with skill get snatched up early.
He had a terrible year pre draft. This year he had a much better year. His big knock last year was rebounding. This year he set a record for rebounding. Overseas situation was tricky at draft time. He is coming next year for sure. Motiejunas would be a top 5 pick this year. I'm no the only one saying it. Get used to it.
If we trade any of our prior year first rounders, that player should be Marcus Morris, a tweener who is neither a true PF nor a true SF. I'd sacrifice him in a heartbeat.
I could not agree more. As a spectator, I obviously have not seen him on the court enough to know what his potential is, but the fact that he couldn't get minutes at the 3, or crack last year's poor PF rotation, makes me dubious. The Rockets' staff must know what they have from watching him in practice every day. Let's hope they cut bait now if he's just a future roll-player.
I've seen this comment from many Clutchfans, but the experts disagree. They don't think he would be a lottery pick in this draft. Neither do i. I still think he will be good, though.
Motiejunas was slated as a top 5 pick for 2-3 years. He had a bad year and the uncertainty of his overseas situation caused his value to drop. He addressed his weaknesses this year, played much better, and most importantly, is guaranteed to play in the NBA now. It happens all the time. You think the Cavs would have passed on Valenciunas had he been eligible to play that year? Serge Ibaka was selected 24th overall with the same overseas issues. Given the talent in previous drafts, how could you not put Motiejunas in the top 5 in this one? After Davis, the talent drops significantly. In other words, Donatas was already projected in the top 5 of much more top heavy classes. With only an incremental improvement in his game from previous years, what would possibly stop him from landing in the top 5 this year? In other words, you have a hard time believing we wouldn't trade an unknown commodity for another unknown commodity. Just because someone has a higher draft number doesn't mean anything. They are still an unknown commodity. How many times have we seen this throughout history? If anything, European basketball has proven to be a step above most college competition. Two Euro players from the 2008 draft in Ibaka and Batum were selected 24th and 25th overall respectively. Are you telling me they should have been packaged for Joe Alexander just because he was a top 10 pick? I'm curious as to who the "experts" are who say Motiejunas would not be a lotto pick. That in itself is insane. Judging by your signature, you would actually put Jeffery Taylor ahead of Donatas. I simply could not believe that anyone would think that far off base, then I remembered that the last argument we had together, was last offseason when you were trying to convince me that trading Kevin Martin and Terrence Williams for Rudy Gay was an awful trade for the Rockets. By the way, how is Terrence working out? You were pretty high on him if I recall. If you say Motiejunas isn't a lottery talent, I guess I'll have no choice but to believe you given your track record.... One more thing. If we take Fab Melo at 16 I'm going to shoot my self.
LOL! You guys are too serious some times. It was a joke. It can be said any way the prankster likes to phrase it. Much like sarcasm.
So now, you are telling me that Motiejunas is going to have a better career than all the players in the top five other than Davis?? Really? Also, it was funny how you skipped over all of the great players of '08 all the way to Alexander just to make your point. One more thing, you are darn tootin' i would choose Taylor over Motiejunas. I have seen Taylor shoot and defend very well. I have seen and heard of Motiejunas shooting good. 49% vs. 42-44%(IIRC). I haven't seen much on the part of defense. Just to be clear, this was just for discussion. I was just wondering what others thought we would be able to get back for a package including D-Mo. If you recall, when i made my sig and that Build a Bench thread, i had D-Mo included in that plan. Just didn't think it was necessary to put his name in my sig. As far as the experts go, I think it was Chad Ford, but i am not sure. It was posted in one of these many threads just a few days ago. I don't know how you could have missed it. Oh yeah, yes i do.
YES! LETS DO IT EVERYONE! Trade DMo for a pick in the early 20's, and then pick up Jeff Taylor cos he's a freaking champ!
i dont think we should trade him. we are in a good spot in the draft and can get a good player with the 14th and 16 pick. i think D-Mo will fit well with the rockets!
Postbadlee, I must know who do you like in this draft over Motiejunas? Since you think he wouldn't even get drafted in the lottery.
