The Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets trade that was completed just before the trade deadline last Thursday could void due to Donatas Motiejunas’ back issues.
Stan Van Gundy said that he wasn’t concerned about Donatas Motiejunas’ back, but given that Motiejunas has yet to clear his physical, maybe Van Gundy should start to worry?
"Motiejunas has back issues and has played just 18 games between the NBA and D-League this season. He was acquired Thursday along with Thornton from Houston for Joel Anthony (who was then traded to Philadelphia) and a top-eight protected first-round draft pick. Motiejunas hasn’t been cleared to play, thus the trade cannot be considered complete.Until all three players have been cleared medically to play, none of the three can play or practice, per league rules.After the team’s loss to New Orleans, Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy said the team had asked for and received a 24-hour extension because trades have to be completed within 72 hours after they are announced.If the extension had been denied, the trade would have been voided, Motiejunas and Thornton would return to Houston, and Anthony would head back to Detroit. Thornton has passed his physical but can’t play or practice."
This trade really split the fan base. Fans either really liked the trade, or despised it– so if you are the latter, this is music to your ears.
I really didn’t care for this trade at first–losing a first round pick for a player with back issues is a risky long-term investment.
The more I thought on it, however, the more I started to have a change of heart.
I think big men who can pass is such a a game-changer, and Motiejunas has excellent court vision and passing skills. He’s also got range to the three-point line and a solid set of post moves, making him the total package offensively. I saw why Van Gundy thought he was worth the risk given his unique skill-set.
With uncertainty all this surrounding his back, I’m not sure how I feel anymore.
I suppose it’s possible–maybe even likely–that the Pistons’ medical staff is just doing their due diligence to make sure that Motiejunas’ back won’t be an issue in the future. But there’s also the possibility that his back is going to be more susceptible to future injuries, because of his most recent injury.
Van Gundy eluded to this thought when he said that Motiejunas’ back may flare-up from time to time causing him to miss three or four games at a time.
Without seeing the his medical record or being given any incite as to what his long-term prognosis is, it’s hard to feel anything but skepticism about this deal should it go through.
I guess we can at least take comfort–should the trade finalize–in the fact that the Pistons’ medical staff examined Motiejunas with extreme caution.