Fansided

Positional Power Rankings: 30 best power forwards in the NBA

By John Buhler

Mar 10, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) defends Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) defends Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 13, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Donatas Motiejunas (12) boxes out Phoenix Suns center Alex Len (21) in the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Donatas Motiejunas (12) boxes out Phoenix Suns center Alex Len (21) in the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Donatas Motiejunas

Power Forward, New Orleans Pelicans

Though he’s not on the right team, New Orleans Pelicans power forward Donatas Motiejunas could one day get back to being a starting big man on a playoff-caliber team. He did it with the 2014-15 Rockets that made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals.

Since that great Rockets’ season two years ago, Motiejunas has had a difficult time staying healthy. Persistent back issues pretty much sidelined him for nine months over two seasons split between the Rockets and the Pelicans.

With New Orleans going with two All-Star centers in DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis at through next season, Motiejunas needs to leave the Big Easy if he ever hopes to be a viable NBA starter again. Could his strong 2014-15 season be matched again or was that an outlier for him?

The rise of Capela and Harrell in Houston allowed the Rockets to move off Motiejunas last season. He really didn’t have a roll in Houston’s small ball plans anyway. In an ideal situation, Motiejunas would play alongside a big bruiser at center, similar to a Dwight Howard, and play a physical, back-to-basket brand of basketball.

Few teams outside of Memphis and Utah play that way with great regularity. If Motiejunas has his health, he can play in the NBA, but he’s really just a true power forward living in a stretch four world.

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