Houston Rockets Sign 2011 Draft Pick Donatas Motiejunas

After spending the truncated NBA season in Europe, Houston Rockets 2011 Draft Pick Donatas Motiejunas has signed his rookie contract; It’s a four-year, $4.23 million deal, with the team holding options for the third and fourth years. The Houston Chronicle has the details: “As promising as Motiejunas, a 7-0, 222-pound power forward seemed when the Rockets moved up in the draft to get him with the 20th pick, they are especially hopeful about his potential after a year of polish in the Polish league. ‘Donatas is a young player with physical tools and upside who needs development and maturation, but we are very excited about his work ethic, approach and motivation,’ Rockets vice president of player personnel Gersson Rosas said. ‘He is a skilled and mobile big with the ability to score in the post, run the floor and rebound. Staying in Europe another year refined his game, body and overall ability. He experienced success at a high level in the European league and the Polish league.’ The Rockets were pleased to see Motiejunas improve on the boards, which was among the areas they asked him to address when they gave their blessing before the lockout for him to remain in Europe for another season.”