Gentry, Davis Thrilled With Signing of Motijeunas

Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Gentry, Davis Thrilled With Signing of Motijeunas

New Orleans Pelicas head coach Alvin Gentry seems to be thrilled with the team signing former Houston Rockets center Donatas Motijeunas. The Pelicans signed Motijeunas to a one-year deal for the  veterans minimum on Tuesday.

Coach Gentry will certainly have a role for Motijeunas on the team. Moreover, Gentry claims the Lithuanian forward can make life easier for New Orleans star Anthony Davis with his ability to stretch the floor and shoot from the long range.

“I think that he alleviates some of the double-teams [around Davis] that teams can throw out there because he can spot up and he can space the floor,” Gentry said, as quoted by ESPN.” “Having him out there creates more space. We kind of want to look at it like maybe a Channing Frye situation,” he explained.

Davis himself thinks he can profit from the signing of Motijeunas.

“It gives me another opportunity to get out on the floor and roam,” Davis said. “Be able to step out and shoot the ball or be able to attack more. He brings a lot to our team. There’s stuff that we’re looking for that he’s got in his arsenal. We’re excited to have him.”

Gentry also revealed New Orleans was eyeing Motijeunas last year, but it ”didn’t work out.”

Donatas Motijeunas career averages are 7.8 points along with 4.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.