With the new NBA season just around the corner, the Houston Rockets and Donatas Motiejunas have yet to reach a contract extension. Judging by the current pace of negotiations, the two sides appear to be drifting apart. The Rockets seem to have already found the perfect replacement for the Lithuanian big man in Sam Dekker, especially since Motiejunas has not reported to the team.
During the preseason, all of Motiejunas’ potential minutes were given to Dekker, last year’s first-round pick. In four preseason games, Dekker averaged 10.5 points with an impressive 56.2 percent shooting. When the Rockets drafted him, he was primarily seen as a small forward option to provide depth off the bench. Unfortunately, a back injury limited his appearances last season. Now, he has shifted to playing power forward, fitting seamlessly into new head coach Mike D’Antoni’s offensive philosophy where skill outweighs size and bulk. Dekker’s reliable three-point shooting and ability to attack the rim help stretch the floor — exactly what the Rockets need.
“If Coach wants me to play the four, then I’ll play the four,” Dekker said confidently. “All I focus on is making my contribution on both ends of the court. I know I have the skills to play multiple positions, and I’m happy to embrace the challenge of being a power forward this season. It’s a long season, and things can always change, but if my role now is to be the backup at the four, then I’ll do it and give it my all.”
As for Motiejunas, the Rockets had previously offered him a one-year, \$4.4 million qualifying offer. Due to his status as a restricted free agent, the team could match any offer sheet he signed with another franchise. However, no team has made a formal bid. Motiejunas is reportedly seeking a two- or three-year contract with a salary well above \$4.4 million annually, but the Rockets, mindful of his injury history, are reluctant to commit to a long-term deal.
For basketball fans following roster moves and player news via the Melbet App, this saga has been a clear example of how quickly fortunes can change in professional sports. The Melbet App not only keeps users updated on player statistics and performance but also allows them to track the ripple effects of roster changes on team strategies. As the Rockets move forward with Dekker in the rotation, fans checking the Melbet App will be watching closely to see where Motiejunas lands and how both careers evolve throughout the season.