Motiejūnas: Lithuania's next big thing

[Mindozas]

Donatas finished his season w/ Poland. Now we're waiting for Kemzura to call him. Hopefully his answer will be affirmative .

And what Kemzura should hear from him? "Hmm, oooh, uuuh, I don't know? I should ask my father". F*ck him. Federation did everything for him to play withcontract insurence in worst case scenario, but the superstar and his father has own doubts, he is not asking the question "what he can do for NT", but "what NT can do for him" and of course - nothing - he is already in NBA, so f*ck it. Valanciunas didn't act like some silly superstar even he will have bigger contract and accepted invite without all that drama + he might be our only decent enough C, as Javtokas has quite serious health problems for now and might not even play in tournament if all goes wrong. While who will be Motiejunas? bench warmer. Seriously, f*ck him. With such attitude he isn't needed at all and I won't miss him

[Dreamcatcher]

Well, people are different. I don't know what i would do in his case. Maybe i would do only NBA thing, maybe not...I wasn't impressed by Donatas's game a lot, but i wish him good luck doing in USA, not looking at all crap which can happen between him and NT thing.

[Straight forward]

Well, people are different.

Very good point. Personally I also not impressed with Motiejunas being "daddy's boy", but it's his style. All career his father was the one who helps him to make decisions. Motiejunas said that he will decide about NT after the season and media now just rolling that everywhere and such as Mindozas are getting pissed Motiejunas didn't do a single thing wrong. And all that bullshit about superstar...Let's just make a "anti- superstars" test and all who fails to go through should be kicked out. We are Lithuanians, people from woods, we should be all equal and the same Not to mention that Motiejūnas is humble little dog compared to our national hero Jasikevičius or the same Sabonis who is trashing every single reporter every single time

Seriously, that bullshit about Motiejunas' charakter is becominh trivial. He's a good baller and that's what counts - that's what this forum is about.

Personally, I'm not blaming him if he's not coming. Kemzura won't as well.

[Mindozas]

SF, did someone hack your account or you just started to celebrate weekend already or you seriously think so? I hope the first 2, cause your post sounds sooo madmax'ish and biased, cause I simply has no words for response... Sabas, Saras comparisons, humble Motiejunas...jeez

[Straight forward]

SF, did someone hack your account or you just started to celebrate weekend already or you seriously think so? I hope the first 2, cause your post sounds sooo madmax'ish and biased, cause I simply has no words for response... Sabas, Saras comparisons, humble Motiejunas...jeez

No offense, but you constantly blame Motiejūnas because of different reasons barely connected with basketball. That's what I call bias to say the least because it seems more like a hatred too often.

I want to protect Motiejunas a little bit because of obvious reasons:

- His position isn't that clear. He has no guarantee for the future contract of Rockets contrary to Valančiūnas (Rockets kinda still wondering if DM is ready for the NBA). Also he felt like he wanted to clear things out about insurance and all situation (obviously advised by his agent) so no surprise he said I'm not yet commited to the NT.
- He kinda making the biggest transition of his career this summer and the Prokom's season finished late. Was it really so much of surprise that the guy is thinking about personal issues first instead of commiting to the NT in any cost? Specially having in mind that Kemzūra didn't show too much interest in him last few years.
- Basketball is business these days. Let's just face it. No need to be suprised or pissed.

To put it short, it's just a normal situation. The guy finished the season, will look up at the situation and will decide. Where's the damn fire? So the guys is more of a rational, utilitarian type instead of a heroic patriot type? Big deal! Is it a bit of surprise these days? No need to call him cocky, superstar, prima donna.

Personally, I see him as good NT material and I hope he'll be in the NT. If not - it's a loss, but not a tragedy. But I really don't see a point for hatred here.

[auris1]

No offense, but you constantly blame Motiejūnas because of different reasons barely connected with basketball. That's what I call bias to say the least because it seems more like a hatred too often.

I want to protect Motiejunas a little bit because of obvious reasons:

- His position isn't that clear. He has no guarantee for the future contract of Rockets contrary to Valančiūnas (Rockets kinda still wondering if DM is ready for the NBA). Also he felt like he wanted to clear things out about insurance and all situation (obviously advised by his agent) so no surprise he said I'm not yet commited to the NT.
- He kinda making the biggest transition of his career this summer and the Prokom's season finished late. Was it really so much of surprise that the guy is thinking about personal issues first instead of commiting to the NT in any cost? Specially having in mind that Kemzūra didn't show too much interest in him last few years.
- Basketball is business these days. Let's just face it. No need to be suprised or pissed.

To put it short, it's just a normal situation. The guy finished the season, will look up at the situation and will decide. Where's the damn fire? So the guys is more of a rational, utilitarian type instead of a heroic patriot type? Big deal! Is it a bit of surprise these days? No need to call him cocky, superstar, prima donna.

Personally, I see him as good NT material and I hope he'll be in the NT. If not - it's a loss, but not a tragedy. But I really don't see a point for hatred here.

Well,I was kind of hoping you had started your weekend early( why not),nevertheless ,I am 100 percent behind you.
All I know is this- he had just finiished his long season few days ago.
There was no official statement from him or his father or his agent.
All there was just some bullshit to be honest from sources not to be trusted ,and people's ,like Sabas, who is in official position now, reactions.
Not cool.
Nobody gave a fuck last summer when he was ready to play for nt and refused.
And what is this - insurance already paid for his contract,although he never agreed to play in the summer in the first place.?

And by the way,Valanciunas was treated like semi god in the press and even in this forum for the last couple of years,yet Donatas was kind of idiot third brother type.He deserves more

[Mindozas]

No offense, but you constantly blame Motiejūnas because of different reasons barely connected with basketball. That's what I call bias to say the least because it seems more like a hatred too often.

I want to protect Motiejunas a little bit because of obvious reasons:

- His position isn't that clear. He has no guarantee for the future contract of Rockets contrary to Valančiūnas (Rockets kinda still wondering if DM is ready for the NBA). Also he felt like he wanted to clear things out about insurance and all situation (obviously advised by his agent) so no surprise he said I'm not yet commited to the NT.
- He kinda making the biggest transition of his career this summer and the Prokom's season finished late. Was it really so much of surprise that the guy is thinking about personal issues first instead of commiting to the NT in any cost? Specially having in mind that Kemzūra didn't show too much interest in him last few years.
- Basketball is business these days. Let's just face it. No need to be suprised or pissed.

To put it short, it's just a normal situation. The guy finished the season, will look up at the situation and will decide. Where's the damn fire? So the guys is more of a rational, utilitarian type instead of a heroic patriot type? Big deal! Is it a bit of surprise these days? No need to call him cocky, superstar, prima donna.

Personally, I see him as good NT material and I hope he'll be in the NT. If not - it's a loss, but not a tragedy. But I really don't see a point for hatred here.

Sorry, but here you seriously sound like some crazy teen fan of Justin Bieber. You see only what you want to see, while everyone who says some negative things are haters. I don't really know what is needed for you to open your eyes a bit and to see the real "colours" of Motiejunas. If our media writes bullshit, now the latest interview from US media also isn;t enough for you to believe what is his attitude towards NT and what kind of values/priorities he has in his career or life generally? I really can't udnerstand how people can defend such person... bball skills has nothing to do here, cause bball is not only skills and 1on1 game... there're more to it, which can make the TEAM succesfull, even it might have less talent

[Straight forward]

Sorry, but here you seriously sound like some crazy teen fan of Justin Bieber. You see only what you want to see, while everyone who says some negative things are haters. I don't really know what is needed for you to open your eyes a bit and to see the real "colours" of Motiejunas. If our media writes bullshit, now the latest interview from US media also isn;t enough for you to believe what is his attitude towards NT and what kind of values/priorities he has in his career or life generally? I really can't udnerstand how people can defend such person... bball skills has nothing to do here, cause bball is not only skills and 1on1 game... there're more to it, which can make the TEAM succesfull, even it might have less talent

No, I prefer I little bit different style of music Let's just say we have different approach to Motiejūnas. What one calls arrogance or selfishness, other might call determination. I feel like it's a real need not to come to early, pre-fact conclusions. I believe there might be a lot misinterpretation in the story. Even that line-up doesn't say he openly demanding something. He might mean - his aim and not a demand is not to sit on the bench. Things should be clear first.

And to be honest, one of the main Lithuanian basketball webs making harsh interpretations though it's literally interpretation. Such headlines might have some real effect. At least it doesn't help NT in any way. That's a clear manipulation. I wonder if they really making such a good money out of this because it seems they don't give a f... about NT.

[Mindozas]

No, I prefer I little bit different style of music Let's just say we have different approach to Motiejūnas. What one calls arrogance or selfishness, other might call determination. I feel like it's a real need not to come to early, pre-fact conclusions. I believe there might be a lot misinterpretation in the story. Even that line-up doesn't say he openly demanding something. He might mean - his aim and not a demand is not to sit on the bench. Things should be clear first.

With one thing I agree - it's obvious that our approach is different An you know, there's a thin line between self-confidence and cockiness/arrogance. Motiejunas steppin' over it too often - that's all. I just don't like such persons in life generally, who talks and asks for smth he didn't earn, even theoretically he might do that. First prove smth - then demand. And my opinion comes not from our media. I was talking this way about Motiejunas for a few years already - that he is complicated personality and isn't liked by his teammates cause of that. Since last year I sincerely changed my opinion regarding him, cause during camps it looked like he matured, but now everything goes down again... I don't know what he expects while talking like that, but he surely won't find understanding and condolences this way. I could understand his actions for a bit, if he just silently would say that he can't play cause of contract, but he'd be able to play in Olympics if needed, but all these demands for a sure place, now for a secured playin' time and etc. It doesn't look serious at all.

And to be honest, one of the main Lithuanian basketball webs making harsh interpretations though it's literally interpretation. Such headlines might have some real effect. At least it doesn't help NT in any way. That's a clear manipulation. I wonder if they really making such a good money out of this because it seems they don't give a f... about NT.

If our bball is world class, our media sucks badly - that's true, our bball sites are amateurish, most of them are run by biased fans from both sides (Zalgiris/Rytas) or are influenced by emotions, but this time they're right - in USA media I read the same words of Motiejunas where he stricktly says that he sees no point to play in NT if we won't be guaranteed for playin' time before comin' to it... I mean wtf... My natural reaction is - he might go to hell (NBA or anywhere). Slovenia kicked Vujacic outta squad cause of such behaviour, there were more cases life that in history of bball - and teams did just fine. I sincerely don't want players with such attitude in NT

[Straight forward]

National team or camp

Motiejunas, 21, seemed to be leaning toward the same goal. He has not yet made his decision about playing for Lithuania’s national team, which will begin training this month in Houston for July’s Olympic qualifying tournament. But unless assured a significant role on that team, he indicated he’d rather begin his NBA career with the Rockets.

“We will talk with the coaches and everyone,” he said. “I’m trying to figure out how everything is going to be with the national team.
“If we don’t figure it out, then, yes, I will go to the summer league. To play on the national team is a great honor for every basketball player. But my goal is to play; I don’t want to be just some other guy who sits on the bench.”

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterocket...ie-to-the-mix/

OK, we have one source - Ultimate Rockets - and the line doesn't look good at all. If this all is literally true and Motiejunas will say "I want 20 minutes in the NT" or something like that, he's shutting down his NT career at least till Kemzura in charge if not longer.

However, it was a telephone interview the day after Polish finals. Knowing Motiejunas style of interviews it could be some misundertanding with that "significant role". Maybe Motiejūnas meant that he wants to know if Kemzura really see him in the roster this summer (even that off course would be a little bit strange, but relatively understandable). But untill Kemzūra or Balčiūnas won't clear situation out, I would be more patient with conclusions. The situation doesn't look good however.

[macleopard13]

It's over with Motiejunas. He may go to hell. He CANNOT demand for minutes. Did Jonas demand? No, he was happy playing 15 minutes per game during his debut tournament (EB 2011), and averaged some pretty good statistics too. Why can't Motiejunas agree to this?

EDIT: I'll still be waiting for that phone call. American media can make the issue in their favor sometimes. But if that's what he really said, we can say goodbye to Motiejunas.

[macleopard13]

Kemzura has confirmed that he's not expecting Motiejunas anymore. We can cross him off the list this year. This means that we'll have to take Songaila or Klimavicius will be the third PF. I don't know much about Klimavicius, so I can't compare him to Songaila. But we need a young, quick player in place of Motiejunas. Where are we going to get one?

[auris1]

Not sure why Kemzura does this -saying that he doesn't expect him only adds fuel to speculations.
Get official statement from Donatas or his agent and then comment.Yes or no,simple as that.Now it is like he is holding out one finger in the air and trying to figure out if it will be raining or not.


Now there is my take -
DM wants to know if he has 1 any or 2 significant role in NT team plans.
Kemzura says ,and maybe rightly so -well,i can not guarantee you anything,you have to earn it.
So DM probably has to do that is right for him - go and train in Houston and prepare for the future,or whaterver he intends to do.

Maybe training with nt team and not getting into that after training camp would seriuosly hamper his preparation for next season.
Maybe DM does not trust Kemzura to be picked for NT because of last year and this is a reason why he asks for affirmation.

Either way,there is no need to burn bridges and make him another Ilgauskas.
I mean,they should just shake hands and ,ideally sort the problem between themselves without all this media frenzy.

[Hepcat]

...as Javtokas has quite serious health problems for now and might not even play in tournament if all goes wrong.

Huh? What's wrong with Javtokas?

[auris1]

Huh? What's wrong with Javtokas?

He is an old warrior,plus those horrific injuries he had in a crash is catching up with him i guess.
2010 he was foot with injury for the whole tournament.
last year i am sure there was something too.
And i guess there is a limit of how much punishment body can take.He rested for a while ,and joined a camp a week or so later ,but i think is fair to say that he is injury prone

[Mindozas]

Huh? What's wrong with Javtokas?

I don't want to go into details, but there were some serious doubts that he might not recover till the start of qualifiers, first couple of days in camp were decisive - if his body/muscles can handle the strain or not, but it seems he made it

He is an old warrior,plus those horrific injuries he had in a crash is catching up with him i guess.
2010 he was foot with injury for the whole tournament.
last year i am sure there was something too.
And i guess there is a limit of how much punishment body can take.He rested for a while ,and joined a camp a week or so later ,but i think is fair to say that he is injury prone

Last year he had horrible both elbows injury in a friendly vs Spain when Gasol pushed him. He suffered cause of it the whole season long and had no time to heal it properly

[Straight forward]

Motiejūnas officially signed with Rockets.

[macleopard13]

Amazing performance by Motiejunas yesterday! 25 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 11-13 FG% in only 25 minutes!

[Khalid80]

Amazing performance by Motiejunas yesterday! 25 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 11-13 FG% in only 25 minutes!

Summary of his highlights...

[macleopard13]

I take it back. If he was playing like Nowitzki two days ago, then yesterday he played like some hopeless Darko Milicic.

22 minutes, 1 point, 4 rebounds, 4 turnovers, 4 fouls, 0/5 FG, 0/2 3PT.

I saw the game - he looked lethargic, gave up on rebounds. And his teammates didn't pass to him that often because of his poor performance. So he just hogged up those minutes when other centers could've played. Yes, he's playing center in the Summer League.