Donatas Motiejunas

[twolvesfan]

What can you guys tell me about this guy? i dont really have any means (that i know of) to watch this guy play so i have to rely on scouting reports and youtube videos:lol

[rosonviyavong]

Toni Kukoc

[Maga_1]

yeah i think he's like Kukoc too, but have to improve is shooting skills a bit.
I think is more athletic than him, can drive to the basket very well. It's a nice prospect.

[InspiredLebowski]

I've seen 1 game of him, the Nike Hoop Summit over the summer. The only thing that sticks for me is that the dude runs like a gazelle and looked to have a nice feel for off ball movement. Looked kind of confused with the ISO defense we see so much of nowadays.

[el gringos]

The top pick or 2nd pick- he is like kukoc except will do it from the pf or even c spot eventually- just more skilled and athletic than 7 footers usually come



I'm convinced this guy is one of the top prospects ever- I think by the draft he is the top ranked prospect, the best european prospect ever, and the most skilled 7 ft prospect in draft history

[madmax]

The top pick or 2nd pick- he is like kukoc except will do it from the pf or even c spot eventually- just more skilled and athletic than 7 footers usually come



I'm convinced this guy is one of the top prospects ever- I think by the draft he is the top ranked prospect, the best european prospect ever, and the most skilled 7 ft prospect in draft history

well well, slow down your horses pal, he's for sure very talented fella, has a very nice shooting touch and some silky post moves at the PF spot, but to proclaim him the best european prospect ever is a bit stretching, don't you think:no: His defense is still very much a liability and he lacks upper body strenght to effectively finish arround the basket. If he can somehow condition his body for NBA, he will do just fine, otherwise he could be just another Darko...

[el gringos]

well well, slow down your horses pal, he's for sure very talented fella, has a very nice shooting touch and some silky post moves at the PF spot, but to proclaim him the best european prospect ever is a bit stretching, don't you think:no: His defense is still very much a liability and he lacks upper body strenght to effectively finish arround the basket. If he can somehow condition his body for NBA, he will do just fine, otherwise he could be just another Darko...


You're right its too early, that's why I said by draft time- you're also right that his body isn't ready, so maybe I am assuming too much that he will get there- I just think he might be the best- atleast along with wall and bradley

[A.M.G.]

Moteijunas is like a 7'0 SF, much like Dirk. He has incredible skills and coordination for a guy that height, and seems like an intelligent and good-natured kid (unlike a certain European Detroit Pistons #2 pick).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E37MBYJ-w7k
This is a video that kind of demonstrates what he is. Not a spectacular dunker or dominant shotblocker, but the skills and natural scoring ability at 7'0 make him a commodity.


The kid will need to bulk up and toughen up to reach his full potential as an NBA PF, but barring an unbelievable college season by someone other than John Wall, or an injury to Donatas himself, he will most likely join Wall in being drafted in the top 2 based on their extremely high ceilings.

[twolvesfan]

Moteijunas is like a 7'0 SF, much like Dirk. He has incredible skills and coordination for a guy that height, and seems like an intelligent and good-natured kid (unlike a certain European Detroit Pistons #2 pick).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E37MBYJ-w7k
This is a video that kind of demonstrates what he is. Not a spectacular dunker or dominant shotblocker, but the skills and natural scoring ability at 7'0 make him a commodity.


The kid will need to bulk up and toughen up to reach his full potential as an NBA PF, but barring an unbelievable college season by someone other than John Wall, or an injury to Donatas himself, he will most likely join Wall in being drafted in the top 2 based on their extremely high ceilings.
Pretty much every scouting report if read painted donatas in the way you have. He seems to be a good dribbler with a very good first step and can shoot the three and can also play in the post. I just wish i could watch more of his game, but i guess i really cant right now. If all the scouting reports are accurate he would fit Rambis's system perfectly!:cheers:

[Lakas Fan Yo]

NBA fans are crazy and delusional when it comes to anything and everything related to European basketball. They really need to STFU about European ball already. Motiejunas has all the tools, but he is soft, arrogant, has a poor work ethic, and puts himself above his teams. He also helps contribute losses rather than wins.

Calling him the greatest European prospect ever is so insulting that words cannot even describe it.

[Lakas Fan Yo]

Pretty much every scouting report if read painted donatas in the way you have. He seems to be a good dribbler with a very good first step and can shoot the three and can also play in the post. I just wish i could watch more of his game, but i guess i really cant right now. If all the scouting reports are accurate he would fit Rambis's system perfectly!:cheers:

Pekovic is far better then him.

[twolvesfan]

Pekovic is far better then him.
that would be awesome

[madmax]

NBA fans are crazy and delusional when it comes to anything and everything related to European basketball. They really need to STFU about European ball already. Motiejunas has all the tools, but he is soft, arrogant, has a poor work ethic, and puts himself above his teams. He also helps contribute losses rather than wins.

Calling him the greatest European prospect ever is so insulting that words cannot even describe it.

:roll: :roll: Dude, you seriously should reconsider your talent evaluation skills...the crap you are spouting on this forum about euro ball and it's propects is really astounding so to speak:banghead: Motiejunas certainly isn't SOFT, as you described him - he plays hard, his body is simply not made for banging under the basket ala Howard's or Shaq's of this world...His arrogance is your personal opinion, I'd call him confident fella more than arrogant, he believes in himself and is not chickening in tough situations...you clearly have no clue about his game though, so stop pretending that you do and go back to your basement where you came from..:hammerhead:

[Lakas Fan Yo]

:roll: :roll: Dude, you seriously should reconsider your talent evaluation skills...the crap you are spouting on this forum about euro ball and it's propects is really astounding so to speak:banghead: Motiejunas certainly isn't SOFT, as you described him - he plays hard, his body is simply not made for banging under the basket ala Howard's or Shaq's of this world...His arrogance is your personal opinion, I'd call him confident fella more than arrogant, he believes in himself and is not chickening in tough situations...you clearly have no clue about his game though, so stop pretending that you do and go back to your basement where you came from..:hammerhead:

You are simply a liar. You obviously have NEVER seen him play EVER.

[Lakas Fan Yo]

that would be awesome

What do you mean that would be awesome? Are you joking? Pekovic IS WAY better than Motiejunas.

[el gringos]

NBA fans are crazy and delusional when it comes to anything and everything related to European basketball. They really need to STFU about European ball already. Motiejunas has all the tools, but he is soft, arrogant, has a poor work ethic, and puts himself above his teams. He also helps contribute losses rather than wins.

Calling him the greatest European prospect ever is so insulting that words cannot even describe it.


Well who is then? Who was the top nba draft prospect- not the greatest european player, the best draft ready prospect? Lots said rubio and I don't see how rubio is on moteijunas level

[twolvesfan]

What do you mean that would be awesome? Are you joking? Pekovic IS WAY better than Motiejunas.
im saying that i havent watched pekovic much (actually i watch next to zero euro ball) and simply rely on opinions about euros form other people:lol . the "awesome" part is because we own his rights:applause:

[Bano114]

Daniloooooooo Gallinariiiiiiiiiiiiii

[CLTHornets4eva]

I think he may be a better shooting, but worse shot-blocking Anthony Randolph. Just because he's white doesn't mean he's a Gallinari or a Kukoc.

[Lakas Fan Yo]

Well who is then? Who was the top nba draft prospect- not the greatest european player, the best draft ready prospect? Lots said rubio and I don't see how rubio is on moteijunas level

Rubio and Motiejunas do not even come remotely close to being the top European prospects of all time. Neither would even make a list to even be considered.

[ZOMG]

I don't see how rubio is on moteijunas level

:lol

[WhySoInsecure?]

Well who is then? Who was the top nba draft prospect- not the greatest european player, the best draft ready prospect? Lots said rubio and I don't see how rubio is on moteijunas level

http://www.nbaloud.com/userimages/user1195_1152602817.jpg

[Genjuro]

Motiejunas is as intriguing as awfully talented. But when you evaluate him you have to take into account how soft he is on defense and rebounding the ball.

[madmax]

Motiejunas is as intriguing as awfully talented. But when you evaluate him you have to take into account how soft he is on defense and rebounding the ball.

so you basically described Chris Bosh here:D What makes you think Donutas won't fit into NBA, where defense is BARELY played?

[dak121]

He'll be a disappointment at the NBA level if he's a poor rebounder. Poor rebounding at the PF/C positions is a major red flag.

That to me is the biggest thing that separates the Dirk's/Garnett's of the world from someone like Bargnani.

[InspiredLebowski]

What's his contract situation like? Is he going to be in the NBA next season?

[Yung D-Will]

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=158724

[madmax]

Motiejunas seems to be developing nicely in Europe - he was ULEB Cup MVP of the previous week and had a stellar game in Italy with 21 points and 7 rebs. He seems to be flourishing under the new coach, we can expect some good things from this kid:rockon:

[Jinxed]

Highest drafted European players--in relation to top euro prospect all time..

1) Bargnagni
2) Darko
3)Pau
5)Rubio


Dirk was drafted 9th fyi..

Rubio is EASILY considered the greatest European PG prospect of all time.

Everyone knew Sabas was top 5 player in the world, but I don't know if 'prospect' is the right word considering we all knew he wasn't leaving the USSR.

[MPLS Lakers]

I was in Kaunas last summer and saw him play, practicing with some of the local Zalgiris talent. Going back there this May, dunno if he will be there or not.

Here's a scouting report from a Lithuanian friend of mine who has seen him a lot more, in games not practice:


Best case scenario (which is a real possibility from what I've seen of him) he is the next Dirk Nowitzki. A 7'er who can work inside, and play sniper from outside. He is never going to bang the boards with D Howard, he just does not have the body. (He'll actually play PF in all likelihood), but he does have a beautiful shot to make up for it. He NEEDS to work on his defense. Defensively he is simply not ready for American iso-ball. He also loafs and takes possessions off, but like many greats who did this in college he'll outgrow this once he gets to the NBA or very soon after.

[Lakas Fan Yo]

Highest drafted European players--in relation to top euro prospect all time..

1) Bargnagni
2) Darko
3)Pau
5)Rubio


Dirk was drafted 9th fyi..

Rubio is EASILY considered the greatest European PG prospect of all time.

Everyone knew Sabas was top 5 player in the world, but I don't know if 'prospect' is the right word considering we all knew he wasn't leaving the USSR.

This post is laughable.

[Lakas Fan Yo]

I was in Kaunas last summer and saw him play, practicing with some of the local Zalgiris talent. Going back there this May, dunno if he will be there or not.

Here's a scouting report from a Lithuanian friend of mine who has seen him a lot more, in games not practice:

I don't see anything similar at all between him and Dirk. I would say more like a taller Troy Murphy. More talented probably than Murphy though. But I just mean more that playing style. He doesn't play like Dirk at all.

[madmax]

I don't see anything similar at all between him and Dirk. I would say more like a taller Troy Murphy. More talented probably than Murphy though. But I just mean more that playing style. He doesn't play like Dirk at all.
actually his best comparison is probably Bargnani and some flavour of Pau Gasol mixed in...he's got a range of italian and some nice clever moves in the post - Murphy is primarily a jumpshooter, Motiejunas doesn't back away from post play though

[Lakas Fan Yo]

actually his best comparison is probably Bargnani and some flavour of Pau Gasol mixed in...he's got a range of italian and some nice clever moves in the post - Murphy is primarily a jumpshooter, Motiejunas doesn't back away from post play though

True, but he plays more that way like Murphy, being more athletic than guys like Dirk, Pau, Bargnani. But the Dirk comparison is stupid. He doesn't play like Dirk.

[la bomba]

True, but he plays more that way like Murphy, being more athletic than guys like Dirk, Pau, Bargnani. But the Dirk comparison is stupid. He doesn't play like Dirk.
agree with lakas 100%

[InspiredLebowski]

What's his contract situation like? Is he going to be in the NBA next season?
Still wondering

[CeltsGarlic]

Looking good so far for Donatas.
PPG: 13
RPG: 6.5
APG: 0.3
SPG: 1
2P%: 53.3%
3P%: 37.5%
FT%: 57.9%
in 26 min.

And this is some highlights in top 10 of Italian's league.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z9l0ZJXrJo

4th and 1st place. At 1st. he made first pass ( behind the back)

[madmax]

yup, he looks to be finally maturing as a player:cheers: A 7 footer with his skillset has a chance to become special player in NBA