Motiejunas in action with Shandong

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Shandong Golden Stars currently sit third in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) standings, their fine play could not have been achieved without center Donatas Motiejunas.

The former Houston Rocket joined the club prior to the start of the season, and has been a valuable player at both ends of the court. In the latest edition of CBA stories, CGTN's Mike Fox sat down with the Lithuanian to discuss his thoughts on playing in China and the business of the NBA.

Motiejunas has suffered from back problems and his minutes were cut nearly in half by the Houston Rockets from 2014-15 to 2015-16.

However, he was released by Houston, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2016. The Lithuanian center then signed a minimum contract with New Orleans Pelicans, only to become an unrestricted free agent again the following season. He's looked to sign with a team that will give him some stable playing time.

Houston Rockets renounced the rights to power forward Donatas Motiejunas, making him an unrestricted free agent on Dec. 2016. /VCG photo

“There are eight teams playing for a title in NBA, the others are run as a business. I have been in that situation, a head coach told me face to face that it is a part of the business, and I can do nothing about it,” Motiejunas said.

The 26-year-old center agreed to an offer with Shandong Golden Stars of the CBA, and he has played a huge part with his new team, becoming a title contender this season.

“Chinese players helped us a lot and that is one of the reasons why we are so unpredictable and so dangerous. We have three players who can score 30 points every night. Some teams just can stop one player. If they start to double defend Ding Yanyuhang, me and Ty Lawson will get open space to score. We built team chemistry on the floor,“ Motiejunas said.

Motiejunas ran his own basketball camp back home in Lithuania for the country’s youngsters. “I try to give back and bring really good players every year, helping the young generation to prepare a professional basketball player.”