Honorable Mention: Donatas Motiejunas, RFA
2015-16 Team: Houston Rockets
Age: 25
Slash Line: .439/.281/.642
Season Averages: 14.8 MPG, 6.2 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1.0 ORPG, 1.1 APG
Due to his status as a restricted free agent, the Houston Rockets have the right to re-sign Donatas Motiejunas. Houston can match any offer sheet he’s given, which means the New York Knicks can only sign him if the Rockets let him go.
If Houston does plan to let Motiejunas walk, and his back checks out, he could be a steal of a signing for the Knicks.
Motiejunas’ back injury greatly limited his availability and effectiveness during the 2015-16 season. In 2014-15, however, he played an instrumental role in Houston quietly earning the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
If he can channel his 2014-15 self in 2016-17, Motiejunas could transform the Knicks’ second unit.
In 28.7 minutes of action per game, Motiejunas averaged 12.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.9 offensive boards, 1.8 assists, and just under one 3-point field goal made per game. He did so on a slash line of .504/.368/.602, which shines a light on his impressive shooting range and lackluster consistency at the free throw line.
As a stretch 4 who crashes the offensive glass and scores from the post—he has a lethal hook shot with 162 converted at 56.1 percent over the past two seasons—Motiejunas could be a great fit in the Triangle Offense.
Next: Expanding His Game