Offense
Strengths
• Can play in the post or on the perimeter
• Has quick moves in post
• Good first step
• Sees the court well, good passer for size
• Runs the floor well, fills lanes
Weaknesses
• Needs to be more aggressive
• Perimeter shot needs to be more consistent
Defense
Strengths
• Long arms and body – alters shots well
• Gets good rebounding position, secures ball
Weaknesses
• Lateral movement needs work, prone to picking up fouls on drives
• Needs to get stronger to defend in the post
• Court awareness needs improvement
Analysis
Motiejunas, the consensus top foreign player in this year’s draft, draws a lot of comparisons to a young Dirk Nowitzki. While their games are somewhat similar, I believe their career trajectories will end up in two different places. Motiejunas is a somewhat polished offensive player, has the ability to play on the perimeter or in the post, and is very agile for his size. Right now, he lacks aggression to be an offensive force on the NBA level, but he has a bright future as a 2nd or 3rd option on a team. Defensively, he needs to become stronger to defend the post properly and needs to improve his footwork to defend the perimeter. He has the talent to be a good NBA scorer, he just needs to get used to the league before he can make his mark.
- Ed Isaacson
