Donatas Motiejunas signed with San Antonio Spurs

[ace3g]

hmmmm, Spurs just don't want SFs...

https://twitter.com/Urbodo/status/1109506173361942528

[Ron Swanson]

Stacked

[NickiRasgo]

Weird signing but kinda interesting.

[8FOR!3]

Averaged 8 and 4 in the NBA has he gotten better? Is this signing just insurance? Idk

[GusT15]

Stacked
:rollin:lobt2::rollin

[Bonner]

We might see even more flashes of 2014 beautiful game, underrated signing.

[sasaint]

Averaged 8 and 4 in the NBA has he gotten better? Is this signing just insurance? Idk

Insurance. He has already got a deal in China for next season.

[NickiRasgo]

Averaged 8 and 4 in the NBA has he gotten better? Is this signing just insurance? Idk

He kinda decent with the Rockets before his injury. Hoping he's now healthy.

[NickiRasgo]

Insurance. He has already got a deal in China for next season.

Deal or just an offer only?

[sasaint]

Deal or just an offer only?

Per Eurohoops.net:

"Per the same report, while Motiejunas will finish the season in the NBA, he has already agreed to come back to China for 2019-2020 with a very lucrative deal. The team with which the Lithuanian center will play next season isn’t mentioned."

[ace3g]

I guess Pop thinks the league is built around small guards and PF/C ...

[BillMc]

Vilnius time!

[Raven]

it could be good tbh

[Pavlov]

He kinda decent with the Rockets before his injury. Hoping he's now healthy.I guess he is since he's been putting up the usual videogame numbers in China. Looks OK in the videos. Will still be a scrub here, but can shoot the three, so there's that....

[Dejounte]

So a playoff insurance?

[Ron Swanson]

Vilnius time!

Love the newest addition to your sig.

[gambit1990]

unexpected but i actually like the signing. other than the part where spurs could use a SF.

[gambit1990]

but i also haven’t seen him play in... years? so idk what he has in his tank.

[r0drig0lac]

nba = fuck.....nah

[GusT15]

He kinda decent with the Rockets before his injury. Hoping he's now healthy.

The last time i saw Motiejunas play was in September 2017,Lithuania against Greece,knock out game for the European Championship Top16.

In that game a 35 year old Bourousis (the same one the Spurs tried to sign in 2009 and 2015) molested the corpse of a 26 year old Motiejunas.

Haven't seen anything of what he's doing in China (not that anyone watches the CBA of course)

[BillMc]

Love the newest addition to your sig.

Cheers bro, it has a March Madness theme. :)

[bklynspursfan]

I guess Pop thinks the league is built around small guards and PF/C ...

Assuming that's what the draft is for. What SF on the market will come in and make any difference at this point in the season? Are there any?

[BillMc]

The only question is will Poeltl freeze up again with another European center to compete with?

[SpurPadre]

But he isn't playoff-eligible so why bother?

[John B]

If Poeltl fouls out and some experience against possible Jokic, Capela, Cousins/Bogut. I hope it doesn’t shaken the kid’s confidence that he is Spurs starting center for years.

[BillMc]

But he isn't playoff-eligible so why bother?

Isn't he? We signed Tracy McGrady at the end of the season 2013 and he was playoff eligible. Have the rules changed?

[TheGreatYacht]

The only question is will Poeltl freeze up again with another European center to compete with?
What's the alternative? Playing great and getting benched by crater face?

[GusT15]

But he isn't playoff-eligible so why bother?

That's only for the waivers not for these signings from other leagues

[SpurPadre]

I guess Pop thinks the league is built around small guards and WHITE PF/C ...

FIFY

[ace3g]

But he isn't playoff-eligible so why bother?

He wasn't on an NBA roster this year so still playoff eligible. NBA players had to be waived by March 1st to still be eligible for the playoffs.

[Pavlov]

But he isn't playoff-eligible so why bother?Pretty sure he is.

[monty4329]

Good sign. Clearly when you start your only two centers, you need one on the bench that can actually play at NBA level.
D-Mo can shoot, which adds a new dimension to the 'two towers' segment of the game. Curious to see if he actually plays.

Plus, we need bodies to throw at Cousins in the first round....

[SpurPadre]

Isn't he? We signed Tracy McGrady at the end of the season 2013 and he was playoff eligible. Have the rules changed?


That's only for the waivers not for these signings from other leagues

Oh, ok. Yeah, how could I forget about the McGrady signing lol.

[Play Boban]

He got a raw deal in Houston. Hope he doesn’t steal Poeltl’s minutes, though.

[SpurPadre]

Pretty sure he is.

I mixed up the waiver playoff eligibility deadline.

[GusT15]

Pretty sure he is.

He is.

No SpurPadre,we won't bring Manu back for the playoffs,don't go there.

[TheGreatYacht]

Montiejunas can shoot, but that doesn't mean he should. He's a god awful 3pt shooter.

Can't wait to see him and Bertans on the floor together not rebound and hit an open 3.

[SpurPadre]

He wasn't on an NBA roster this year so still playoff eligible. NBA players had to be waived by March 1st to still be eligible for the playoffs.

Then Manu must re-join the team for the stretch run!

[SpurPadre]

He is.

No SpurPadre,we won't bring Manu back for the playoffs,don't go there.

Just did, tbh. He's still better than Mills and Forbes.

[monty4329]

The only question is will Poeltl freeze up again with another European center to compete with?

Why would he? He knows D-Mo is here for the playoffs only, and he is starting. He can actually learn a thing or two, Motejunas is not elite but he was a serviceable solid center for years.

The alternatives, by the way, were Gortat (love his P+R but he is washed up and can't shoot) or Monroe (worse than '19 Pau).

[GusT15]

Then Manu must re-join the team for the stretch run!

:lol

[monty4329]

We could have traded DDR for D-Mo 4 months ago.....

[gambit1990]

he put up 32 and 32 in a chink league game last year.

[GusT15]

Just did, tbh. He's still better than Mills and Forbes.

If we focus on the last 3 minutes of gametime in the clutch he is also better than DeRozan :toast

[SpurPadre]

If we focus on the last 3 minutes of gametime in the clutch he is also better than DeRozan :toast

I'd trust Manu over anybody else on this roster in the last 3 minutes, especially a well-rested Manu, tbh. That would be so fucking awesome if, on his jersey retirement night, he announces he'll come out of retirement for the stretch run. That's just wishful thinking, of course. If he was going to come back, it would've been just after the all star break to get into game shape and in a good rhythm/chemistry with the team.

[ace3g]

And he doesn't really bring any defensive impact to the table...

[smaka]

he put up 32 and 32 in a chink league game last year.
Yeah but corpses of players put spectacular numbers in CBA. Brandon Paul, for example, rocked the chinese league this year, IIRC.

[Dverde]

I think this is just a scratch and sniff for next year. I doubt he plays outside of garbage minutes. Might be a Dante Cunningham replacement for next year.

[GusT15]

I'd trust Manu over anybody else on this roster in the last 3 minutes, especially a well-rested Manu, tbh. That would be so fucking awesome if, on his jersey retirement night, he announces he'll come out of retirement for the stretch run. That's just wishful thinking, of course. If he was going to come back, it would've been just after the all star break to get into game shape and in a good rhythm/chemistry with the team.

Manu at age 40 was hitting game winning 3's against Boston,and some other players at age 30 can't bring the ball down the court without fumbling it in the last minute,but that's not the point.

Manu wouldn't want to "steal" minutes from players that went through camp and got the team in the playoffs.If for "basketball reasons" something is wrong,he ain't doing it.Unfortunately...

[Dejounte]

So is this bad news for Eubanks?

[monty4329]

I'd trust Manu over anybody else on this roster in the last 3 minutes, especially a well-rested Manu, tbh. That would be so fucking awesome if, on his jersey retirement night, he announces he'll come out of retirement for the stretch run. That's just wishful thinking, of course. If he was going to come back, it would've been just after the all star break to get into game shape and in a good rhythm/chemistry with the team.

It depends, they might foul him intentionally and rely on his clutch free throws....

[Pavlov]

So is this bad news for Eubanks?For getting an NBA contract this season, yes.

[monty4329]

So is this bad news for Eubanks?

it is good news, he will avoid embarassing himself. He is positively not ready.

[GusT15]

It depends, they might foul him intentionally and rely on his clutch free throws....

Well DeRozan lost the ball in Toronto before anyone even thought about fouling him.They just took the ball and the W away from him.

[monty4329]

Well DeRozan lost the ball in Toronto before anyone even thought about fouling him.They just took the ball and the W away from him.

don't make me start with ''my name is Crybaby and I can't dribble the ball but I'll do it anyway because I don't give a fuck about the wins only about my shots''...Just mentioning even tangentially The 3nd best international player and DeMoron in the same sentence is tantamaount to treason :makemyday

[SpurPadre]

It depends, they might foul him intentionally and rely on his clutch free throws....

His crunch time free throw shooting isn't any worse than the crunch time free thow shooting of LMA, DeRozan, and Gay, tbh.

[GusT15]

don't make me start with ''my name is Crybaby and I can't dribble the ball but I'll do it anyway because I don't give a fuck about the wins only about my shots''...Just mentioning even tangentially The 3nd best international player and DeMoron in the same sentence is tantamaount to treason :makemyday

I'm just saying,having watched the clusterfuck DDR provides in the clutch all season long,makes you appreciate having the ability to actually MAKE IT to the free throw line when the other team is behind and wants to foul you...

I'll take Manu going 1/2 in the clutch at the FT line over watching DeMar trying to dribble every time tbh imho

[arel123]

watch my video please!, im from europe and i made it especially for spurs fans!, i would be very happy if you can share it with other spurs fans!!

<font size="3"><strong>
https://youtu.be/uLPF92bLwYs

[arel123]

hmmmm, Spurs just don't want SFs...

https://twitter.com/Urbodo/status/1109506173361942528


https://youtu.be/uLPF92bLwYs

[monty4329]

I'm just saying,having watched the clusterfuck DDR provides in the clutch all season long,makes you appreciate having the ability to actually MAKE IT to the free throw line when the other team is behind and wants to foul you...

I'll take Manu going 1/2 in the clutch at the FT line over watching DeMar trying to dribble every time tbh imho

I'd take Manu on a wheelchair over the game-gifter loser

[exstatic]

So is this bad news for Eubanks?

As a two way, he was not eligible for the playoffs, anyway.

[monty4329]

watch my video please!, im from europe and i made it especially for spurs fans!, i would be very happy if you can share it with other spurs fans!!



Appreciated but we defend harder and much much much better in our oldies league :lol (and shoot about the same from 3. No dunks though)

[Degoat]

Ehhh, not a horrible signing but he’ll just be insurance

[Rummpd]

Not going to help 8 seed. Move on...

[BillMc]

watch my video please!, im from europe and i made it especially for spurs fans!, i would be very happy if you can share it with other spurs fans!!

<font size="3"><strong>
https://youtu.be/uLPF92bLwYs

Thanks for the vid! :bobo Enjoyed it.

[RC_Drunkford]

Could be a nice reclamation project but he was never the same after his injury. I take him as a 3rd string Center

[Chinook]

Great news for Milutinov and fans that want him to come over. Suggests the Spurs still see third center as a need but aren't committing to a new one long term. Nikola wants rotation-player money, and I could see PATFO giving it to him more than I could this past off-season. On the flip side it also suggests that the Spurs may not view the spot as a developmental position. That may mean they don't draft a center, or it could me that if they do, they still sign another guy. Wouldn't be a great use of resources, but it makes sense with LMA and JP being upcoming FAs.

[lmbebo]

a big who can hit the 3. Has some low post moves. Provides foul/injury insurance. Space floor with LMA. Has nba experience.

[Keepin' it real]

Isn't he the one who injured Curry's knee in the playoffs? Thug life tbh. Welcome.

[wildbill2u]

He wasn't on an NBA roster this year so still playoff eligible. NBA players had to be waived by March 1st to still be eligible for the playoffs.

So a mystifying signing becomes another crafty move by Buford and CIA Pop? Props to Ace3g for figuring this out.

[ace3g]

Decent PF/C depth but doesn't move the needle IMO.

[ZeusWillJudge]

Spurs wanted to get this locked down for when they trade their All Star Aldridge for AD. They just shored up the middle, and added a big who can also space with his 3P shot. Now add a 3-and-D wing like Chuma Okeke and you've got a team.

"It's the plane Boss!"

[DMC]

He'll make the playoffs unlike Lebron.

[DMC]

Spurs wanted to get this locked down for when they trade their All Star Aldridge for AD. They just shored up the middle, and added a big who can also space with his 3P shot. Now add a 3-and-D wing like Chuma Okeke and you've got a team.

"It's the plane Boss!"

They just added a warm body to convince the die hard season ticket holders that they are still trying.

[99 Problems]

:clawGet in here.......

[Robz4000]

Isn't he the one who injured Curry's knee in the playoffs? Thug life tbh. Welcome.

Forgot about det ass sweat tbh. Welcome aboard Dmo.

[cutewizard]

He'll make the playoffs unlike Lebron.

[cutewizard]

He'll make the playoffs unlike Lebron.

Truth!

[DaDakota]

He got a raw deal in Houston, they low balled him, then he and the Rox agreed on a deal but the Nets who had signed him to the original offer sheet complained that it circumvented the rules, that the Rox had to match their deal or they got him.....so the NBA ruled the deal void, and the Nets could no longer sign him....DMo sued the league and the Rox, they allegedly settled, he went to China.

He is a good player who can use either hand, can shoot from 3, and is only 28 years old - he is an NBA rotation level player.....

Nice pickup for you guys.

DD

[spurs10]

I just watched his video and he scored about 100 points in 2 1/2 minutes!! Sign him up!! :downspin:

[ZeusWillJudge]

He got a raw deal in Houston, they low balled him, then he and the Rox agreed on a deal but the Nets who had signed him to the original offer sheet complained that it circumvented the rules, that the Rox had to match their deal or they got him.....so the NBA ruled the deal void, and the Nets could no longer sign him....DMo sued the league and the Rox, they allegedly settled, he went to China.

He is a good player who can use either hand, can shoot from 3, and is only 28 years old - he is an NBA rotation level player.....

Nice pickup for you guys.

DD


Wow, that's not at all the way I remember it. Unless I've gotten my facts crossed up, you didn't mention that he had back surgery, and subsequently failed a physical. Or that he was a contract holdout with Houston that ran into the regular season. Or that he just didn't show up for a physical after the Rockets agreed to pay him some incentive bonuses. And he basically walked out on the contract, so the Rockets finally renounced him. Isn't all of that true, or am I remembering wrong?

He CAN shoot the 3 - or at least he COULD at one point. But after a couple of good seasons, his 3P% pretty much went to hell. I haven't kept up with him in China, so maybe he started making 3's at a reasonable clip again, but I guess I would be a little surprised if that happened.

I was being sarcastic above about him being a big pickup. That's why I put in the Fantasy Island reference at the end. He's 7 feet tall, so I guess he could be considered big man insurance. But why? Especially if they're going to meet the Warriors in the first round - why? If Aldridge goes down, there's no doubt about a first round exit. D-Mo damn sure isn't going to make up for that. And if Poeltl goes down, it's unlikely that D-Mo could be up to speed enough to replace him either. They have other warm bodies they could put in to play out the remainder of their games.

I guess I should use blue font. This signing just puzzles the shit out of me.

[ElNono]

Another low-talent foreigner to spite Trump and his buy American rhetoric... Pop doing Pop things

[Slippy]

Realize it's highlights but some of his game reminds me of Toni Kukok . This also mean they want to pair up poodle with LA and have him play PF more consistently.

[SilverSpur]

Nice pick up. Solid passer/ shooter and good inside moves .

[slick'81]

Wonder if dude has anything left

[monty4329]

When he'll play a couple minutes instead of Cunningham you'll all be praising PATFO

[r0drig0lac]

Realize it's highlights but some of his game reminds me of Toni Kukok . This also mean they want to pair up poodle with LA and have him play PF more consistently.

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smilol.gif

[Slippy]

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smilol.gif

Realize it's highlights but some:jack

[r0drig0lac]

Realize it's highlights but some:jack

It's like saying that Forbes looks like Curry, but whatever

[SouthTexasRancher]

RC must be hitting the bottle again and Pop must be upset that Trump and family won't be indicted by Mueller. Hell, at least we got ourselves another guy who won't average more than 2 minutes per game. We're getting a pretty good scrub team that may just be able to win against an average high school team.

[Slippy]

It's like saying that Forbes looks like Curry, but whatever

Only if you're dumb enough to take it that way.
Let be more specific. certain parts of his game from watching His euro highlights remind me of Kukok . That doesn't mean he plays like Tony Kukok or will be good enough for the nba .

[r0drig0lac]

Only if you're dumb enough to take it that way.
Let be more specific. certain parts of his game from watching His euro highlights remind me of Kukok . That doesn't mean he plays like Tony Kukok or will be good enough for the nba .

probably it looks like a lot of players if you only look at specific parts, and I disagree on the comparison Kukoc because Dmo looks much more robotic in his footwork

[Slippy]

probably it looks like a lot of players if you only look at specific parts, and I disagree on the comparison Kukoc because Dmo looks much more robotic in his footwork

Well that's all you can go by when watching a players highlight package .

[arel123]

Thanks for the vid! :bobo Enjoyed it.
your welcome mate!
i hope that other spurs fans will watch the video cause im from europe and i dont know where to post the video because i dont know a lot of spurs fans forums...

[arel123]

Appreciated but we defend harder and much much much better in our oldies league :lol (and shoot about the same from 3. No dunks though)

i hope that other spurs fans will watch the video cause im from europe and i dont know where to post the video because i dont know a lot of spurs fans forums...

[arel123]

Appreciated but we defend harder and much much much better in our oldies league :lol (and shoot about the same from 3. No dunks though)


i hope that other spurs fans will watch the video cause im from europe and i dont know where to post the video because i dont know a lot of spurs fans forums...

[Manu-of-steel]

I like the way he played while he was with the rockets.

[Texnificent]

Dmo is an offensively skilled big who is mediocre defensively and doesn't rebound in the NBA

[Duncan87]

To late in season for any impact should have just converted Eubanks

[monty4329]

To late in season for any impact should have just converted Eubanks

Converted to what? At least D-Mo is an NBA level player.
Eubanks cannot play in the NBA (maybe onw day, who knows. Now, certainly not)

[Duncan87]

2way players need to be converted to NBA contracts in order to play in playoffs DMo no system knowledge or big time playoff exp.

[Dex]

When he'll play a couple minutes instead of Cunningham you'll all be praising PATFO

Can't be any worse, tbh.

[MaNu4Tres]

Since Eubanks can't be on the playoff roster, D-Mo was signed to be an insurance filler 3rd big.

He won't break the rotation unless there's an injury to Yak or LMA. If he plays it will be in garbage time.

He's not moving any needle guys.

[DaDakota]

He did have minor back surgery and took a while to recover, but the Rox would not have offered him 30m if he failed a physical - that was some media mumbo jumbo the team used to explain to fans what happened.

I don't believe he failed any physical - New Jersey signed him - with some incentives to an offer sheet, the Rox matched - BUT did not match the incentives - thus making it much lower, but technically a match - the two sides agreed to rework the deal to get him closer to the original, but once they did that, the MATCHED deal was void, and New Jersey said he should come to them - this got nasty at that point, and the league voided the deal - and DMO sued the Rox and the league, from what I know DMO settled and has a non-disclosure with both - and got paid.

He then went to China - as other teams were wary - he has played 2 years there with ZERO issues and has been amazing - so the Spurs, being the forward thinking franchise that they are.....brought him in for a look - pretty much a free look at a possible 28 year old NBA level big.

I like DMo, wish he was a Rocket as him shooting wide open 3s from Harden and CP3 and bringing the other teams big to the perimeter opening up the lane is a contrast to Capela - but alas, water under the bridge.

I think he will do well for you.

DD

[BillMc]

He did have minor back surgery and took a while to recover, but the Rox would not have offered him 30m if he failed a physical - that was some media mumbo jumbo the team used to explain to fans what happened.

I don't believe he failed any physical - New Jersey signed him - with some incentives to an offer sheet, the Rox matched - BUT did not match the incentives - thus making it much lower, but technically a match - the two sides agreed to rework the deal to get him closer to the original, but once they did that, the MATCHED deal was void, and New Jersey said he should come to them - this got nasty at that point, and the league voided the deal - and DMO sued the Rox and the league, from what I know DMO settled and has a non-disclosure with both - and got paid.

He then went to China - as other teams were wary - he has played 2 years there with ZERO issues and has been amazing - so the Spurs, being the forward thinking franchise that they are.....brought him in for a look - pretty much a free look at a possible 28 year old NBA level big.

I like DMo, wish he was a Rocket as him shooting wide open 3s from Harden and CP3 and bringing the other teams big to the perimeter opening up the lane is a contrast to Capela - but alas, water under the bridge.

I think he will do well for you.

DD
I hop
Thanks for the info man. :toast A lot of details I never knew. Very much appreciated. I hope DMO turns out to be a real asset and the Spurs are his entryway back into the NBA.

[BillMc]

your welcome mate!
i hope that other spurs fans will watch the video cause im from europe and i dont know where to post the video because i dont know a lot of spurs fans forums...

Where in Europe are you from?

[moodazz]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JrmjdOPuWc

[Mugen]

3 wasted roster spots heading into this season...QPon, Dante, and Pau/DMo......

what a fucking retarded summer, a PATFO that was shook to death by Kawhi/Dennis :lol

[R. DeMurre]

He's a poor man's Nemanja Bjelica, but as cheap insurance I don't think it's a bad signing at all.

[Chinook]

Since Eubanks can't be on the playoff roster, D-Mo was signed to be an insurance filler 3rd big.

He won't break the rotation unless there's an injury to Yak or LMA. If he plays it will be in garbage time.

He's not moving any needle guys.

Eubanks could have been on the playoff roster. No idea why folks keep saying stuff like this. He could have just been signed to the big club like Quinn Cook was last year.

[tmtcsc]

D'MO was a helluva solid player in the NBA. Nothing spectacular & wasn't going to be THE factor in winning games but he's a great passer, decently athletic and has good footwork. Fuck China, he should be a keeper on any NBA team. Weird why he's not. Was it all about $$?

Nevermind. I just read DaDakota's post. That makes more sense to me than anything else. He's a borderline steal as a backup.

[gambit1990]

i liked him enough when he played for HOU that i wanted him to be a spur. long time ago though.

[gambit1990]

he moves well in the highlight video.

[R. DeMurre]

Haven't seen anything of what he's doing in China (not that anyone watches the CBA of course)


I had a Greek roommate in college and when I told him that Americans had an expression "it's all Greek to me," he laughed and said they had a similar expression in Greece, except it was "it's all Chinese to me." :lol

The number of Chinese watching the CBA is pretty huge in China!

[ZeusWillJudge]

He did have minor back surgery and took a while to recover, but the Rox would not have offered him 30m if he failed a physical - that was some media mumbo jumbo the team used to explain to fans what happened.

I don't believe he failed any physical - New Jersey signed him - with some incentives to an offer sheet, the Rox matched - BUT did not match the incentives - thus making it much lower, but technically a match - the two sides agreed to rework the deal to get him closer to the original, but once they did that, the MATCHED deal was void, and New Jersey said he should come to them - this got nasty at that point, and the league voided the deal - and DMO sued the Rox and the league, from what I know DMO settled and has a non-disclosure with both - and got paid.

He then went to China - as other teams were wary - he has played 2 years there with ZERO issues and has been amazing - so the Spurs, being the forward thinking franchise that they are.....brought him in for a look - pretty much a free look at a possible 28 year old NBA level big.

I like DMo, wish he was a Rocket as him shooting wide open 3s from Harden and CP3 and bringing the other teams big to the perimeter opening up the lane is a contrast to Capela - but alas, water under the bridge.

I think he will do well for you.

DD


That's a pretty good explanation. You've always been solid on Rockets lore, so I'll buy it. Thanks for taking the time. I hope he's as good as you remember.

I know his 3P% dipped well down below .300 for a while. Did he get that back while in China? I could go look it up, but when I find a knowledgeable source, I figure I should listen.

[GusT15]

I had a Greek roommate in college and when I told him that Americans had an expression "it's all Greek to me," he laughed and said they had a similar expression in Greece, except it was "it's all Chinese to me." :lol

The number of Chinese watching the CBA is pretty huge in China!

:lol That is correct,when we have no idea what the language means it's "Chinese" to us.

But we do share the expression of swear words labelled as "French" :lol

[MaNu4Tres]

Eubanks could have been on the playoff roster. No idea why folks keep saying stuff like this. He could have just been signed to the big club like Quinn Cook was last year.

Could have, but he wasn't. That's why folks like me said that. :)

[Chinook]

Could have, but he wasn't. That's why folks like me said that. :)

Doesn't make any sense. He could have been. You and the others keep saying he could not have been.

[Dverde]

I think RC got on a bender and confused him with Tim Frazier. It happens.

[Atl Spur]

There is relatively no downside to this signing; he is way to skilled to not be in the nba. Good pick up

[pad300]

I think it's pretty bad news for Eubanks' future. As people have mentioned, he could have been converted to a vet min contract for the playoffs. The Spurs instead went with DMO as a retread. Converting Eubanks would have been a big plus for him - his 2 way salary is only 77250; becoming a vet min would have handed him another $200K or so (pro-rated from $838 464) this year alone. Normally, they are pretty generous with things (small money for an NBA team) like that... However, I am not clear if doing so would have made Eubanks guaranteed for next year.

[slick'81]

I think it's pretty bad news for Eubanks' future. As people have mentioned, he could have been converted to a vet min contract for the playoffs. The Spurs instead went with DMO as a retread. Converting Eubanks would have been a big plus for him - his 2 way salary is only 77250; becoming a vet min would have handed him another $200K or so (pro-rated from $838 464) this year alone. Normally, they are pretty generous with things (small money for an NBA team) like that... However, I am not clear if doing so would have made Eubanks guaranteed for next year.


really see nothing in eubanks tbh

[exstatic]

Doesn't make any sense. He could have been. You and the others keep saying he could not have been.

Not under current circumstances, is my guess as to why people say that. You would have to change the current paradigm, and now it’s too late for even that to happen.

[exstatic]

really see nothing in eubanks tbh

He can burn a few minutes, but he’s really nothing but an undersized, old school center.

[pad300]

really see nothing in eubanks tbh

I don't really see much either, but it does imply that neither does the PATFO (IMO).

[ceperez]

Good signing. Skilled big. Undervalued in today's nba. Main knock was questionable lower back. Failed physical in nba trade.

[R. DeMurre]

Definitely see this as a smart no risk/ possible high return move. There was mention that he was signed to a Chinese team for next season already, but no details... but I imagine if this 2nd chance at the NBA proves successful, he'd be able to get out of that commitment...

Who knows? 28 year old Nikola Vucevic is far better than 25 year old Nikola Vucevic... If Motiejunas is even just a bit better than he was three years ago, he can be a helpful bench player.

I spent about 15 minutes scrolling through the CBA website-- was surprised to see Luis Scola playing over there.
https://basketball.asia-basket.com/team/China/Shanghai-Sharks/1950

[ceperez]

He got a raw deal in Houston, they low balled him, then he and the Rox agreed on a deal but the Nets who had signed him to the original offer sheet complained that it circumvented the rules, that the Rox had to match their deal or they got him.....so the NBA ruled the deal void, and the Nets could no longer sign him....DMo sued the league and the Rox, they allegedly settled, he went to China.

He is a good player who can use either hand, can shoot from 3, and is only 28 years old - he is an NBA rotation level player.....

Nice pickup for you guys.

DD


He was a very promising player with the Rockets, until they traded him due to an injury. But the numbers did show that he had a high impact when on the floor.

This is a surprisingly good signing.

[ceperez]

Big time psyched about this signing. He is a very good big that hasn't gotten the attention he deserved.

I think PATFO integrity won him over to come back to nba that screwed him.



If he plays like his 3rd season in Houston, Spurs make second round of playoffs.

[slick'81]

If spurs get anything out of him this season its a pretty good signing

[Coach X]

Unathletic, white, good basketball IQ, good 3pt shooting, weird name, european... Motiejunas was born to be a Spur :spin

He was pretty good for the Rockets when he was healthy and he's still 28. What's his physical condition now? That's the question.

[TheGreatYacht]

Unathletic, white, good basketball IQ, good 3pt shooting, weird name, european... Motiejunas was born to be a Spur :spin

He was pretty good for the Rockets when he was healthy and he's still 28. What's his physical condition now? That's the question.
Good 3pt shooting? Lol

White and high iq?

Folks really spray Febreeze on RC's stinky shits around here. These takes remind me of the Jeff Pendergraph thread...

[RC_Drunkford]

I wanted him on the Spurs 2-3 years ago. He's left handed and contrary to Aldridge prefers the right block. So the spacing between the 2 would work great especially since Montejunas can shoot the 3. Not sure if he can play on the same level like he did before though

[ceperez]

I wanted him on the Spurs 2-3 years ago. He's left handed and contrary to Aldridge prefers the right block. So the spacing between the 2 would work great especially since Montejunas can shoot the 3. Not sure if he can play on the same level like he did before though

Well, he is only 28. So there is some promise here.

He is a very crafty player, he isn't as quick as Poetl but for different matchups, he could be useful.

Eubanks being a two way was ineligible for playoff action.

[sasaint]

A lot of ado about back-up playoff rental.

[DaDakota]

He was a very promising player with the Rockets, until they traded him due to an injury. But the numbers did show that he had a high impact when on the floor.

This is a surprisingly good signing.

We never traded him, he was a RFA, and the Nets signed him to an offer sheet, leading to what I said above.

DD

[gambit1990]

the rockets did trade him but the pistons ended up rescinding the deal because he failed his physical.

[Seventyniner]

Judging by that highlight vid, if you hated Splitter's pump fakes around the basket you'll hate D-Mo's constant unnecessary spin moves.

[$pursDynasty]

I don't know I might prefer Greg Monroe for a third big

[Mr. Body]

Trying him out for a potential later signing. NBD but why not.

[Mr. Body]

I don't know I might prefer Greg Monroe for a third big

The Greg Monroe who could barely get off the bench tonight for a Celtics team that badly needed somebody, anybody, who could stop LMA?

[subfor]

Motiejunas was REALLY good on Rockets before injury, he was top3 impact player on that Rockets team, Houston had their own "Linsanity" out of him that year, Motiejunas was THAT good, for about 5 months at least.
Now, the injury truly messed him up, it wasn't a minor injury, it was a HUGE DEAL. He lost most of his speed/quickness, sharpness, became much more robotic and slow in movements. Lost fluidity, became much more rigid. He needed at least two years of rehab to finally look more like his old self, and still he falls short to his old 2015 self by quite a large margin. I do not believe he can ever go back to his peak basketball but judging by his highlights in China and numbers he put I can see he looks not too bad. He should be a decent bench player, he might actually even surprise us by how good he is. I am not convinced he will be truly good, but he can be, and he is definitely better than current Greg Monroe.
Anyhow, that's a great great pickup for Spurs, if Motiejunas gets back ~75% of his old self this will be a steal in current bigs' market.

[monty4329]

Eubanks could have been on the playoff roster. No idea why folks keep saying stuff like this. He could have just been signed to the big club like Quinn Cook was last year.

Could have been on the roster. Not on the floor.

[Chomag]

Anyone who plays basketball can shoot a 3, but actually being good at it is a different story.

[monty4329]

Do we know when will he join the team? I guess he needs a working visa and other paperwork to be completed first, might be he can play only 5-6 games?

[Slippy]

Having Montie at center on d and outside the 3point line on offense allows the Spurs to use Demar in the post more. Lessoning the liability aspect and helping to space the floor.

Situationally in the playoffs a good option to have.

[exstatic]

Do we know when will he join the team? I guess he needs a working visa and other paperwork to be completed first, might be he can play only 5-6 games?

He should be in game shape, having just finished his season in China. As soon as logistics permit, he'll be in uniform and playing.

[monty4329]

He should be in game shape, having just finished his season in China. As soon as logistics permit, he'll be in uniform and playing.

yes, well, I was asking if anybody have specific news, maybe the organization mentioned a target date for his arrival.

[exstatic]

yes, well, I was asking if anybody have specific news, maybe the organization mentioned a target date for his arrival.

Since when do the Spurs ever do anything like that?

[MaNu4Tres]

Doesn't make any sense. He could have been. You and the others keep saying he could not have been.

No you're just not reading it correctly. I'm speaking on the reality of the situation in that he wasn't signed -- I'm not speaking on hypotheticals. I know he COULD have been signed on the roster, but he wasn't.

[monty4329]

Since when do the Spurs ever do anything like that?

signing people with 8 games to go?

[Chinook]

Since Eubanks can't be on the playoff roster, D-Mo was signed to be an insurance filler 3rd big.

He won't break the rotation unless there's an injury to Yak or LMA. If he plays it will be in garbage time.

He's not moving any needle guys.


No you're just not reading it correctly. I'm speaking on the reality of the situation in that he wasn't signed -- I'm not speaking on hypotheticasl. I know he COULD have been signed on the roster, but he wasn't.

No. Montiejunas was not signed because Eubanks could not have been on the active roster. You didn't say, "Since Eubanks wasn't signed, they signed D-Mo instead." That wouldn't make sense. It's obvious they just chose Montiejunas over Eubanks. Nothing wrong with that. But it had nothing to do with any limitations on signing Eubanks to "the playoff roster." A lot of people in this thread don't/didn't seem to get that.

[exstatic]

signing people with 8 games to go?

No, announce ANYTHING. SA is the most tight lipped, press unfriendly organization in the NBA.

[exstatic]

No. Montiejunas was not signed because Eubanks could not have been on the active roster. You didn't say, "Since Eubanks wasn't signed, they signed D-Mo instead." That wouldn't make sense. It's obvious they just chose Montiejunas over Eubanks. Nothing wrong with that. But it had nothing to do with any limitations on signing Eubanks to "the playoff roster." A lot of people in this thread don't/didn't seem to get that.

What you're not getting is that people meant "as things stand", which is a pretty common assumption. There would need to be a shift in the current paradigm, Eubanks being a two-way, for him to be playoff eligible. That's what people were talking about when saying he wasn't playoff eligible. It's not common logic to have to add "as things stand" to every statement, when that's the most common outcome.

[MaNu4Tres]

What you're not getting is that people meant "as things stand", which is a pretty common assumption. There would need to be a shift in the current paradigm, Eubanks being a two-way, for him to be playoff eligible. That's what people were talking about when saying he wasn't playoff eligible. It's not common logic to have to add "as things stand" to every statement, when that's the most common outcome.

Ding ding ding

[$pursDynasty]

The Greg Monroe who could barely get off the bench tonight for a Celtics team that badly needed somebody, anybody, who could stop LMA?
and you think Monti would have fared any better against LMA? I have seen Monroe contribute at a NBA level this euro I have not. It's a devil you know argument not a ringing endorsement.

[Beggar]

The last time i saw Motiejunas play was in September 2017,Lithuania against Greece,knock out game for the European Championship Top16.

In that game a 35 year old Bourousis (the same one the Spurs tried to sign in 2009 and 2015) molested the corpse of a 26 year old Motiejunas.

Haven't seen anything of what he's doing in China (not that anyone watches the CBA of course)

He wasn't playing in 2017. He's a problem in the locker room, 2 out of 3 already coaches don't want him on the national team because of his character

[exstatic]

and you think Monti would have fared any better against LMA? I have seen Monroe contribute at a NBA level this euro I have not. It's a devil you know argument not a ringing endorsement.

Motiejunas was actually quite good before his back injury. I'll reserve judgment until I see him, post recovery, but to say that he's not contributed at the NBA level is just poppycock. If he's even 80-85% of what he was, he's far better suited to today's NBA game than that plodder Monroe.

[GusT15]

He wasn't playing in 2017. He's a problem in the locker room, 2 out of 3 already coaches don't want him on the national team because of his character

http://www.fiba.basketball/eurobasket/2017/0909/Lithuania-Greece#|tab=boxscore

He was the starting PF for Lithuania in 2017.

[Beggar]

http://www.fiba.basketball/eurobasket/2017/0909/Lithuania-Greece#|tab=boxscore

He was the starting PF for Lithuania in 2017.

My bad :elephant I even forgot he was there. Motiejunas haven't played a single at least decend game with the national team

[GusT15]

My bad :elephant I even forgot he was there. Motiejunas haven't played a single at least decend game with the national team

I don't blame you for forgetting he was there.He absolutely sucked.

[Beggar]

I don't blame you for forgetting he was there.He absolutely sucked.
I just hope he gets some minutes and we'll be able to see some highlights of his offensive skills. On the other hand, he is terrible at defense and can't shoot free throws

[GusT15]

I just hope he gets some minutes and we'll be able to see some highlights of his offensive skills. On the other hand, he is terrible at defense and can't shoot free throws

I'm waiting to see if he's healthy enough for the NBA.

If he is,Pop has my trust to get good minutes from him.I dunno if it's gonna be 5,10 or 15 minutes but if one coach can put him in a position to succeed it's Popovich.

[Grybauskaite]

It took almost entire season of 17-18 for him to recover from BJ Armstrong dealings, that is by coach Caesar , he thanked him at the end of season. as of now, the guy can ball, also read DDakota if you have any doubt about his injury. He never failed physicals , because he was on NOP team a month later, or with the trade, he was with Rockets a week later as a starter.

[Donatas Motiejunas]

When DMo signed in China after short stint with Pelicans (where he sucked on most nights) I said there's no way he ever returns to NBA. Only ~1% of ex NBA players who sign in China ever come back to NBA. Then I watched the horrendous performance with National Team and I was like yup, this guy is done, he might even retire, since he went from solid NBA starter to not even good for Euroleague.

I don't think he's any better than he was 2 years ago so I reaaaally don't understand what Spurs saw in him. Maybe NBA changed so much in those 2 years (it did) that a 7 footer t-rex armed big who can make 3s sometimes and can pass will find a place on a roster. But even watching his latest China highlights I'm seeing the same post injury DMo that sucked in his 4th year in Houston and his last NBA stop Nola.

I love the guy, but I think he's done. I think even he thinks he's done, because he keeps renewing with China teams ($$$) instead of trying to prove that he's still a good player in a serious European league.

[Mr. Body]

and you think Monti would have fared any better against LMA? I have seen Monroe contribute at a NBA level this euro I have not. It's a devil you know argument not a ringing endorsement.

What? Monroe is so bad he can't get off the bench for Boston.

[TD 21]

Third big was actually a more pressing need than depth wing. If a wing injury occurs, they'll either condense the rotation or give spot minutes to Cunningham or Walker. Less than ideal, but viable. If a big injury occurs, they couldn't even meet that modest threshold.

Motiejunas, post injury looked borderline finished a few years ago, but should meet the threshold all the same; at least in comparison to Eubanks. At minimum, if need be, the moment shouldn't be too big for him and he should receive a modicum of respect from the officials. He's also got legit center size (though it belies his rebounding and rim protection) and a semblance of ball skills (dribble, pass, shoot).

[Slippy]

http://www.fiba.basketball/eurobasket/2017/0909/Lithuania-Greece#|tab=boxscore

He was the starting PF for Lithuania in 2017.

Seems to be alot of confusing info on this guy.

[BackHome]

Pop doing a solid for an old friend.

[Manufan909]

Fuck Pop if he takes minutes from Poetl he is the glue on both ends of the floor. He sets all the picks, grabs all the boards, blocks and alters tons of shots. Free up LMA to focus more on offense. Motiejunas should take minutes from the munchkin lineup, Dante or Marco. That's fucking it.

[slick'81]

Fuck Pop if he takes minutes from Poetl he is the glue on both ends of the floor. He sets all the picks, grabs all the boards, blocks and alters tons of shots. Free up LMA to focus more on offense. Motiejunas should take minutes from the munchkin lineup, Dante or Marco. That's fucking it.

dont feel the spurs will force feed him min ala pau tbh

[JPB]

Third big was actually a more pressing need than depth wing. If a wing injury occurs, they'll either condense the rotation or give spot minutes to Cunningham or Walker. Less than ideal, but viable. If a big injury occurs, they couldn't even meet that modest threshold.

Motiejunas, post injury looked borderline finished a few years ago, but should meet the threshold all the same; at least in comparison to Eubanks. At minimum, if need be, the moment shouldn't be too big for him and he should receive a modicum of respect from the officials. He's also got legit center size (though it belies his rebounding and rim protection) and a semblance of ball skills (dribble, pass, shoot).

good point about the refs... He might not even play, but if he has to third string no name stiffs got respect from refs and are called for everything... At least, he' somehow a name, which can make a ref think a bit more...

And he won't expect and ask for anything, knows how the whole shit goes so and he just have to be ready...

[subfor]

When DMo signed in China after short stint with Pelicans (where he sucked on most nights) I said there's no way he ever returns to NBA. Only ~1% of ex NBA players who sign in China ever come back to NBA. Then I watched the horrendous performance with National Team and I was like yup, this guy is done, he might even retire, since he went from solid NBA starter to not even good for Euroleague.

I don't think he's any better than he was 2 years ago so I reaaaally don't understand what Spurs saw in him. Maybe NBA changed so much in those 2 years (it did) that a 7 footer t-rex armed big who can make 3s sometimes and can pass will find a place on a roster. But even watching his latest China highlights I'm seeing the same post injury DMo that sucked in his 4th year in Houston and his last NBA stop Nola.

I love the guy, but I think he's done. I think even he thinks he's done, because he keeps renewing with China teams ($$$) instead of trying to prove that he's still a good player in a serious European league.

Oh come on, he is of course not as good as in 2015, but he's substantially better than in 2017. Anyways, the time will tell how good or bad Motiejunas actually is. We can talk and talk and talk but the truth will only be seen on the court.

He plays in China for money, for 5-6 months of China's season he gets almost 3mil dol a year and in European leagues for 9-10 months of work he would be lucky to get half that. So is there something to even think about?

[monty4329]

Third big was actually a more pressing need than depth wing. If a wing injury occurs, they'll either condense the rotation or give spot minutes to Cunningham or Walker. Less than ideal, but viable. If a big injury occurs, they couldn't even meet that modest threshold.

Motiejunas, post injury looked borderline finished a few years ago, but should meet the threshold all the same; at least in comparison to Eubanks. At minimum, if need be, the moment shouldn't be too big for him and he should receive a modicum of respect from the officials. He's also got legit center size (though it belies his rebounding and rim protection) and a semblance of ball skills (dribble, pass, shoot).

Center position is dead... Nobody wants centers anymore..Then when you need one you can't find it. Warriors had to go to Bogut, SA to China. Boston scrapping the bottom to find quasi-dead Monroe. Valenciunas dominating in Memphis.

The inside game might prove crucial in the postseason.

[ZeusWillJudge]

Nobody wants centers anymore.

Go tell that to Portland.

[RC_Drunkford]

Is he already in San Antonio? I'd like to see him play a few spot minutes just to know what he looks like on an NBA court

[monty4329]

Go tell that to Portland.

That was exactly my point. This season's fashion to push aside centers is backfiring to many teams, and now many are in need of a neglected commodity, hard to find.

(Portland case is just bad luck)

[DaDakota]

No doubt that was gruesome.

DMo can play, it took a while for his back to heal and him to get comfortable, the national team is a weird one, he wants to be THE guy but the coach wanted him to wait his turn.....clash of egos.

He will help, but he is making 3m in China - can't blame a guy for that.

DD

[duncan2150]

So where is Donatas ?

[benfti]

Center position is dead... Nobody wants centers anymore..Then when you need one you can't find it. Warriors had to go to Bogut, SA to China. Boston scrapping the bottom to find quasi-dead Monroe. Valenciunas dominating in Memphis.

The inside game might prove crucial in the postseason.

im pretty sure every team I’m the league wants Joel Embiid

[R. DeMurre]

The Center position is being re-imagined in the three point era, but I wouldn't call it dead. Jokic and Embiid are leading their teams to good seasons, and Brook Lopez changed his entire legacy by becoming a three point shooting center next to Giannis.

This is one of the reasons I find Aldridge's reluctance to shoot threes so frustrating... he has the range, and shooting three or four per game would open up the floor for White, DeRozan, etc.

[Kurgan]

This is one of the reasons I find Aldridge's reluctance to shoot threes so frustrating... he has the range, and shooting three or four per game would open up the floor for White, DeRozan, etc.

We need to stop blaming the players on this issue. Aldridge was attempting 1.5 threes per game with a 35% efficiency in his last year at Portland. As soon as he joined the Spurs he went down to 0.2 three point attempts per game. Derozan was attempting 3.6 threes per game at Toronto last year at 31% efficiency. This year, he's down to 0.6 attempts per game.

This is an issue with coaching philosophy more than anything. Pop and his yes men in the coaching staff want more long twos despite the rest of the league moving away from that outdated model.

[tmtcsc]

Pop and his yes men in the coaching staff want more long twos despite the rest of the league moving away from that outdated model.

We can't have LA shooting 3's because most of the guys on this team don't rebound for shit. He needs to be closer to the basket. ** Shooting Long 2's is NOT what the Spurs or any other team in the league wants. I believe the Spurs want SMART three's not quick ones because their transition defense is atrocious.

[exstatic]

We can't have LA shooting 3's because most of the guys on this team don't rebound for shit. He needs to be closer to the basket. ** Shooting Long 2's is NOT what the Spurs or any other team in the league wants. I believe the Spurs want SMART three's not quick ones because their transition defense is atrocious.

Has anyone noticed that since Pau is gone, and we're starting Poodle, an EXCELLENT offensive rebounder, LMA has been hoisting up more 3s?

[ceperez]

I think we got the current philosophy of this team wrong.

It is about taking the highest percentage shot per ability of the player. Sure, a more diverse skill set makes a player more difficult to guard. But a diverse skill set also makes a team as a whole more difficult to guard. The players that take 3s in the Spurs system are those best at it and same with the 2s. Up to the Spurs offense to set up the right player to take the shots. It's the entire team that seeks the best shot not the one individual.

[RC_Drunkford]

We need to stop blaming the players on this issue. Aldridge was attempting 1.5 threes per game with a 35% efficiency in his last year at Portland. As soon as he joined the Spurs he went down to 0.2 three point attempts per game. Derozan was attempting 3.6 threes per game at Toronto last year at 31% efficiency. This year, he's down to 0.6 attempts per game.

This is an issue with coaching philosophy more than anything. Pop and his yes men in the coaching staff want more long twos despite the rest of the league moving away from that outdated model.

This. Same reason Dedmon didn't shoot jumpers while being here and then became a good 3-point shooter the next year in Atlanta

[DMOFOR3MORE]

I could write good 10 pages about what happened with DMO and with Rockets GM, but let bygones be bygones.

Last two years DMO played in China, almost never missed a game, putting load of stats. Just his free throw percentage is ugly. I don't know how he will match up against NBA dudes, but DMO has (or had) mad skills. When Dwight went down for the Rockets - DMO finally got enough playing time to show what he can do. And he delivered. Though playing out of position, he is a PF, not a C. But with very good true 7'1" size.
For a while, before that minor surgery some were calling him to have the best post moves in the paint. So, a little honey for your eyes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuOsp5ULymc

[r0drig0lac]

I could write good 10 pages about what happened with DMO and with Rockets GM, but let bygones be bygones.

Last two years DMO played in China, almost never missed a game, putting load of stats. Just his free throw percentage is ugly. I don't know how he will match up against NBA dudes, but DMO has (or had) mad skills. When Dwight went down for the Rockets - DMO finally got enough playing time to show what he can do. And he delivered. Though playing out of position, he is a PF, not a C. But with very good true 7'1" size.
For a while, before that minor surgery some were calling him to have the best post moves in the paint. So, a little honey for your eyes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuOsp5ULymc

thanks Donatas

[Seventyniner]

I think we got the current philosophy of this team wrong.

It is about taking the highest percentage shot per ability of the player. Sure, a more diverse skill set makes a player more difficult to guard. But a diverse skill set also makes a team as a whole more difficult to guard. The players that take 3s in the Spurs system are those best at it and same with the 2s. Up to the Spurs offense to set up the right player to take the shots. It's the entire team that seeks the best shot not the one individual.

Well said.

[rjv]

lots of hall of fame coaches in here.

[silverblackfan]

I could write good 10 pages about what happened with DMO and with Rockets GM, but let bygones be bygones.

Last two years DMO played in China, almost never missed a game, putting load of stats. Just his free throw percentage is ugly. I don't know how he will match up against NBA dudes, but DMO has (or had) mad skills. When Dwight went down for the Rockets - DMO finally got enough playing time to show what he can do. And he delivered. Though playing out of position, he is a PF, not a C. But with very good true 7'1" size.
For a while, before that minor surgery some were calling him to have the best post moves in the paint. So, a little honey for your eyes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuOsp5ULymc

Ok I am excited. I know it is just highlights but the guy has a nice back to the basket set of moves. Great bench big to punish other benches with Rudy.

[Duncan87]

When is this official?? Took Jimmer like 3 days

[gambit1990]

i’m wondering when he’ll be suited up also.

[ZeusWillJudge]

We can't have LA shooting 3's because most of the guys on this team don't rebound for shit. He needs to be closer to the basket. ** Shooting Long 2's is NOT what the Spurs or any other team in the league wants. I believe the Spurs want SMART three's not quick ones because their transition defense is atrocious.


Has anyone noticed that since Pau is gone, and we're starting Poodle, an EXCELLENT offensive rebounder, LMA has been hoisting up more 3s?


For his size, Aldridge doesn't rebound for shit either. It's one of the big shortcomings on this team. Pop's philosophy forever has been to shoot a higher percentage than the opponent, and limit the other team to 1 attempt per possession by scraping the boards for rebounds. They were ALWAYS one of the worst offensive rebounding teams in the league, and one of the very best defensive rebounding teams. That's because they got back on defense, rather than hanging around to fight for offensive boards. Aldridge does his part to fuck that up by not being strong on the defensive glass. Strangely, he got a lot of put-backs from missed shots in his first few seasons. We were surprised that Pop allowed it, because it was such a departure from how he always insisted the team play.

Poeltl's rebounding probably let Pop experiment with having Aldridge take a few more 3's. But I think it has more to do with Pop looking for something, more than it has to do with Poeltl. There was a time when a lot of people here were screaming for LMA to take more 3's. But he's never made them at a high enough rate to make the points per possession worthwhile. Maybe to mix things up and give the defenses some different looks. But not as a regular item on the menu.

[TheGreatYacht]

Has this scrub been signed yet? I can't stand seeing Bertans get so many minutes

[Grybauskaite]

This is what u getting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUUJC5EcsQE
some from China
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=picdZujBEm0&t=5s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xaVmqcbmeE

[Donatas Motiejunas]

Motiejunas has not signed with the San Antonio Spurs

[Grybauskaite]

Motiejunas has not signed with the San Antonio Spurs
What happened to u? Not enough ink in a pen this time?

[Roscoe P. Coltrane]

We need to stop blaming the players on this issue. Aldridge was attempting 1.5 threes per game with a 35% efficiency in his last year at Portland. As soon as he joined the Spurs he went down to 0.2 three point attempts per game. Derozan was attempting 3.6 threes per game at Toronto last year at 31% efficiency. This year, he's down to 0.6 attempts per game.

This is an issue with coaching philosophy more than anything. Pop and his yes men in the coaching staff want more long twos despite the rest of the league moving away from that outdated model.Gasol shot plenty of 3s wile he was here.

[ZeusWillJudge]

Donatas Motiejunas signed with San Antonio Spurs, according to @tlangvinis (https://twitter.com/tlangvinis)
.

I'm starting to wonder if the person who reported this is really TLong, and the whole thing is made up.

[Egils]

It's official. He is in the lineup. Chose jersey number 99.

[ace3g]

6 days ago...

[Donatas Motiejunas]

6 days ago...

No rush, long playoffs ahead :smokin

[JPB]

lots of hall of fame coaches in here.

Fist round ballot tbh.

[Duncan87]

https://mobile.twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA

[Duncan87]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1080688815449260032/U66qqQF2_bigger.jpg




(https://mobile.twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA)






(https://mobile.twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA)
·
16h (https://mobile.twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA/status/1111736964007542784)







Looks like Motiejunas has or is close to signing his contract with the Spurs.He just RT’d a tweet acknowledging he’s joining the team.

[Duncan87]

Saw this but still seems to be taking long

[BackHome]

This is what u getting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUUJC5EcsQE
some from China
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=picdZujBEm0&t=5s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xaVmqcbmeE

Hard to judge offense against G League players but just looking at his handles, IQ, passing ability all pass the test. He seems to be a taller skinnier version of Gay which is not bad I wonder for people who have seen him how would you rate his defense rim protector and rebounding?

[Donatas Motiejunas]

for people who have seen him how would you rate his defense rim protector and rebounding?

Before injury in 2015? Reliably average, not a big weakness. 2016-2019? Non existent rim protection and rebounding due to short arms and limited vertical jump that only got worse after suffering back injury. Post 1 on 1 defense is also problematic, but the way NBA moved away from posting up centers on centers that shouldn't matter. He's not terrible at switching on smaller guys.

[Floyd Pacquiao]

He's probably a lesser pau gasol at this point

[TheGreatYacht]

He's probably a lesser pau gasol at this point
Pau Gasol has looked like a dying llama over the past two years yet the "advanced" stats loved him, a lot.

This guy hasn't even came close to having respectable "advanced" stats at any point of his career.

If he's worse than current Pau, Allah help us all. I keep seeing folks here say he can shoot but I'm not sure they've studied this scrub. He's a worse shooter than Jonathon Simmons :lol

[slick'81]

Pau Gasol has looked like a dying llama over the past two years yet the "advanced" stats loved him, a lot.

This guy hasn't even came close to having respectable "advanced" stats at any point of his career.

If he's worse than current Pau, Allah help us all. I keep seeing folks here say he can shoot but I'm not sure they've studied this scrub. He's a worse shooter than Jonathon Simmons :lol



Fg% isnt exactly his strong suit

[Duncan87]

Some guy reporting Visa issue is the problem

[Duncan87]

Donatas Urbonas: Donatas Motiejunas can’t join San Antonio Spurs due to visa issues yet. (https://hoopshype.com/social/) Spurs are also involved and try to push the authorities to make the process faster. It’s been a week since the report Motiejunas signed with Spurs.
– via Twitter Urbodo (https://twitter.com/Urbodo)

[Grybauskaite]

All good, fiew more days, and he is ✈️ to meet new teammates, good lessons for NBA teams , if u getting foreign player , plan accordingly . Will take 2 weeks to get work visa.

[BackHome]

As many foreign players Spurs have had I am pretty sure they new how long it would take.

[ace3g]

Only 6 games remaining including tonight.

[ace3g]

BvrL0qYDfg5


The fans usually see only the final result of a long and hard working process . But these two guys put a lot of work in last two years to bring me to the shape I am today . This is perfect example of two highest class coaches that collaborated for one goal , to make me better stronger and faster player. Thanks to @justasgrainys (https://www.instagram.com/justasgrainys/) and @virginijusmikalauskas (https://www.instagram.com/virginijusmikalauskas/) �� Cuz of your work my last two season was incredible! Can’t wait to see what challenges you will throw at me next ���� #hardworkpaysoff (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/hardworkpaysoff/) #onegoal (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/onegoal/) #twoisbetterthanone (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/twoisbetterthanone/)

[slick'81]

Soooo when is he coming

[Egils]

Lithuanian media reports that visa issues are resolved. He should be on his way to the USA in couple days.

[ZeusWillJudge]

If they had D-Mo last night, they would have beaten those damn Kings.

Really. He makes the Spurs a serious playoff contender. I can hardly wait.

[exstatic]

If they had D-Mo last night, they would have beaten those damn Kings.

Really. He makes the Spurs a serious playoff contender. I can hardly wait.

No, no, we need Christian Wood.....
/sarcasm

[monty4329]

If they had D-Mo last night, they would have beaten those damn Kings.

Really. He makes the Spurs a serious playoff contender. I can hardly wait.

I don't think so, but he certainly is a good addiction. Problem is the timing. Usually it takes a season to new Spurs players to get the system. I don't know how much he can pick up in two weeks. But probably he will get minutes right off the bat, as Jakob is regressing lately.
Anyway, if he can somehow play 10-12 minutes at 4, it adds a badly needed new dimension to the lineups.

Moot points anyway: it is going to be iso choke to close games all the way to the sweep in the first round. As much I was hopeful up to 10 days ago, now it is clear to me the team has imploded for some reasons: I put DDR attitude as first reason, and then White hitting the rookie wall -a year later

[ZeusWillJudge]

I don't think so, but he certainly is a good addiction. Problem is the timing. Usually it takes a season to new Spurs players to get the system. I don't know how much he can pick up in two weeks. But probably he will get minutes right off the bat, as Jakob is regressing lately.
Anyway, if he can somehow play 10-12 minutes at 4, it adds a badly needed new dimension to the lineups.

Moot points anyway: it is going to be iso choke to close games all the way to the sweep in the first round. As much I was hopeful up to 10 days ago, now it is clear to me the team has imploded for some reasons: I put DDR attitude as first reason, and then White hitting the rookie wall -a year later


Oh, man, I really didn't think that comment needed the Blue Font Of Sarcasm.

So you analyzed everything, and decided to lecture me that it will take more than six games for a new player to get ready for the playoffs? Seriously? Don't you have any stats to back that wild claim up?

[monty4329]

Oh, man, I really didn't think that comment needed the Blue Font Of Sarcasm.

So you analyzed everything, and decided to lecture me that it will take more than six games for a new player to get ready for the playoffs? Seriously? Don't you have any stats to back that wild claim up?

I wasn't sarcastic, and certainly didn't lecture anybody (sorry if you feel offended).

Houston can pull up guys literally from the street, sit them in the corner and have them shoot 50% from the corner. SA can't, by design. I still prefere Spurs basketball, obviously.

[Grybauskaite]

Hard to judge offense against G League players but just looking at his handles, IQ, passing ability all pass the test. He seems to be a taller skinnier version of Gay which is not bad I wonder for people who have seen him how would you rate his defense rim protector and rebounding?
No need to look at "G league" , just look at portion of 2015 Rockets, he is the guy who can create his own shot, it depends on PG if he has enough skill to pass the ball inside, also Dmo not the lob kind of a guy , but his foot work in 3 sec zone was one of the best in NBA. He is high energy guy, at some times it looked like he rushed too much. But in my opinion he prefer fast speed BB. Very unselfish , and i think his passing ability is at TOP 10 in todays NBA comparing with other PF/C. As of defense/rebounding I think he will struggle, however , expect a lot of small guys getting rebounds and improving there stat sheet playing along Dmo. I he will see at-least a little bit of his opponent advantage getting rebound, he will box him out of it, and let his teammate feast on it. Very hard working guy, McKale was telling everyone that he thought he was living inside the building, he was literally first in and last-one out . In clutch expect to see 2-3 offensive falls committed on him, he is not afraid to sacrifice his body.As of IQ right now he is studying at university, he definitely sees his feature with basketball.

[BackHome]

Watched a lot of tape he has a great mid range game and a very high basketball IQ and a pretty damn good passer. Is a excellent backup for Gay don’t think they would be much drop off and add to Gay injury history almost makes perfect sense.

[ZeusWillJudge]

Watched a lot of tape he has a great mid range game and a very high basketball IQ and a pretty damn good passer. Is a excellent backup for Gay don’t think they would be much drop off and add to Gay injury history almost makes perfect sense.


A backup for... Gay? What, exactly, the fuck? I know the NBA is supposedly positionless now, but dayum.

[ace3g]

BvuRgnCgQaf


Improving every day �� #Ready (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/ready/) to go ✈️ ����#SportHouse (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/sporthouse/) #Kaunas (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/kaunas/) @donatas_motiejunas (https://www.instagram.com/donatas_motiejunas/)

[ZeusWillJudge]

D-Mo video from Instagram


Thas a big ol' boy. Very cool exercise with the bar only loaded on one side. Mikalauskas is his strength and conditioning trainer in China. I wonder if he's staying in China, now that D-Mo is leaving?

[John B]

Honestly is he getting spot minutes or just basically insurance? Then after which he goes back to China to fulfill his contract, right? Is there really reason to be excited about?

[Egils]

Something what he told Lithuanian media about his upcoming role with the Spurs: "I'm joining the Spurs to help them. They have a coach and team for this whole season. If they let me play - I'll play. If they don't - I'll support them and hope for the best.".
Also, he mentioned that he was in talks "with Nuggets and Raptors. All negotiations had caveats but the Spurs expressed that they truly want him. If the team like Spurs gives you an offer, you don't think - you agree."

[Duncan87]

Sounds bout right JohnB don’t really think he’s gonna play no system knowledge 5 more games left looks like Tmac signing couple years ago

[Donatas Motiejunas]

I stayed up at nights in Europe to watch DMo play for 4 years, I saw basically every second of his NBA gameplay live. He has no place in the NBA. It was clear two years ago. He can't defend centers, he can't protect the rim, can't rebound (short arms, low vertical, weak lower body strength). He's deceivingly slow footed on defense. He can't shoot 3 reliably to compensate his defensive weaknesses. He is no longer a good post up player (used to be elite). He is atrocious from the line. If he misses a shot it gets into his head and he starts to play with emotions, make bad mistakes. He's my favorite player of all time.

[Duncan87]

Troll Hard this guy:ban::ban:

[playbonner15]

I stayed up at nights in Europe to watch DMo play for 4 years, I saw basically every second of his NBA gameplay live. He has no place in the NBA. It was clear two years ago. He can't defend centers, he can't protect the rim, can't rebound (short arms, low vertical, weak lower body strength). He's deceivingly slow footed on defense. He can't shoot 3 reliably to compensate his defensive weaknesses. He is no longer a good post up player (used to be elite). He is atrocious from the line. If he misses a shot it gets into his head and he starts to play with emotions, make bad mistakes. He's my favorite player of all time.

What exactly are you trying to say here?

[cd98]

I stayed up at nights in Europe to watch DMo play for 4 years, I saw basically every second of his NBA gameplay live. He has no place in the NBA. It was clear two years ago. He can't defend centers, he can't protect the rim, can't rebound (short arms, low vertical, weak lower body strength). He's deceivingly slow footed on defense. He can't shoot 3 reliably to compensate his defensive weaknesses. He is no longer a good post up player (used to be elite). He is atrocious from the line. If he misses a shot it gets into his head and he starts to play with emotions, make bad mistakes. He's my favorite player of all time.

This sounds like a typical Spurstalk poster.

[monty4329]

I stayed up at nights in Europe to watch DMo play for 4 years, I saw basically every second of his NBA gameplay live. He has no place in the NBA. It was clear two years ago. He can't defend centers, he can't protect the rim, can't rebound (short arms, low vertical, weak lower body strength). He's deceivingly slow footed on defense. He can't shoot 3 reliably to compensate his defensive weaknesses. He is no longer a good post up player (used to be elite). He is atrocious from the line. If he misses a shot it gets into his head and he starts to play with emotions, make bad mistakes. He's my favorite player of all time.

Man, sleep and subscribe to Leaguepass...a much healthier choice:sleep

[BillMc]

Man, sleep and subscribe to Leaguepass...a much healthier choice:sleep

Health is overrated when our basketball is concerned.:lol

That said, staying up until 5 AM and have the guys not show up is frustrating as Hell.

[TheGreatYacht]

I stayed up at nights in Europe to watch DMo play for 4 years, I saw basically every second of his NBA gameplay live. He has no place in the NBA. It was clear two years ago. He can't defend centers, he can't protect the rim, can't rebound (short arms, low vertical, weak lower body strength). He's deceivingly slow footed on defense. He can't shoot 3 reliably to compensate his defensive weaknesses. He is no longer a good post up player (used to be elite). He is atrocious from the line. If he misses a shot it gets into his head and he starts to play with emotions, make bad mistakes. He's my favorite player of all time.
I can tell you actually know what you're talking about. Unlike the dumbasses here that think he's a good shooter and rebounder. He's soft as baby shit. Praying we don't see him and Bertans on the floor together

[TheGreatYacht]

No, no, we need Christian Wood.....
/sarcasm
Why the sarcasm? Wood is better than any big on this roster besides Aldridge.

17.5ppg, 7.5rpg, 2spg, 2bpg in only 24 minutes per game. You'd be fluffing RC's balls right about now if we had picked him up.

[exstatic]

Why the sarcasm? Wood is better than any big on this roster besides Aldridge.

17.5ppg, 7.5rpg, 2spg, 2bpg in only 24 minutes per game. You'd be fluffing RC's balls right about now if we had picked him up.

If you look at the larger sample of ALL of his NBA minutes and games, it's like 4p/2r per game. Nice cherry pick, though. I'm sure some believed it.

[TheGreatYacht]

If you look at the larger sample of ALL of his NBA minutes and games, it's like 4p/2r per game. Nice cherry pick, though. I'm sure some believed it.
Jesus you're a really shit poster. I thought your Poeltl> Adams and Walker> Brogdon takes were embarrassing. ..

Before this stint in New Orleans, he was only getting garbage time minutes (314 minutes in 3 years). Good job leaving that out though, dumbass. I'm sure no one fell for it.

[ZeusWillJudge]

I stayed up at nights in Europe to watch DMo play for 4 years, I saw basically every second of his NBA gameplay live. He has no place in the NBA. It was clear two years ago. He can't defend centers, he can't protect the rim, can't rebound (short arms, low vertical, weak lower body strength). He's deceivingly slow footed on defense. He can't shoot 3 reliably to compensate his defensive weaknesses. He is no longer a good post up player (used to be elite). He is atrocious from the line. If he misses a shot it gets into his head and he starts to play with emotions, make bad mistakes. He's my favorite player of all time.

Oh, noooo. Our team is ruined!

[TheGreatYacht]

If you look at Jakob Poeltl's 3,300+ minutes in 208 games, you'll see he averages 5pts/4reb yet some dumbass thinks he's better than Steven Adams because he's a Spur :lol

[SAGirl]

He looks in great shape. Would love to see him play. See what he can do. It can't hurt at this point.

[Dejounte]

Oh, noooo. Our team is ruined!

Lmao. "he's my favorite player of all time". Nice touch

[exstatic]

If you look at Jakob Poeltl's 3,300+ minutes in 208 games, you'll see he averages 5pts/4reb yet some dumbass thinks he's better than Steven Adams because he's a Spur :lol

I never said he was better than Adams, I said his UPSIDE was higher. I'd expect such nuance to escape you, though. You're pretty much the village idiot...with a megaphone.

[TheGreatYacht]

I never said he was better than Adams, I said his UPSIDE was higher. I'd expect such nuance to escape you, though. You're pretty much the village idiot...with a megaphone.
Do you realize Adams is only 25? At Jakob's age he was averaging a double double in the playoffs against Tim Duncan.

You're smoking RC's dick if you think their upsides are even close. Though I'm curious to hear your reasoning so I can have a nice laugh

[SpursDynasty85]

Do you realize Adams is only 25? At Jakob's age he was averaging a double double in the playoffs against Tim Duncan.

You're smoking RC's dick if you think their upsides are even close. Though I'm curious to hear your reasoning so I can have a nice laugh

You mean Timmy's final postseason series? I think it was the game Timmy realized his wheels fell off. OKC is always THE or one of THE most athletic teams every year. Jakob is showing a lot of potential though. When he plays for small minutes he is a havoc because he can defend and offensive rebound really well as well as diving to the rim with more finesse than most. He is our modern day center. Adams is still a hybrid old school tough center vs today's Capela type ballerinas that can still defend the rim well.