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2026 NBA Draft: Motiejus Krivas Scouting Report

Motiejus Krivas boxing out his opponent during a college basketball game.

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2026 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.


Motiejus Krivas

Position: Center

College: Arizona

Class: Junior

Height/Weight: 7'2", 260 lbs

Birthdate: December 1, 2004

Previous Team: Zalgiris (Lithuania)


Player Overview


Motiejus Krivas is a physically imposing, old-school interior big man whose value comes from size, strength, touch, and functional screening and roll-man IQ. He’s not a spacing or switchable center defensively right now, but he can carve out a role as a matchup-dependent rotation center who rebounds, protects the rim in drop, and punishes smaller lineups inside.


“Krivas is a traditional big man with some physical limitations, but his presence as a rebounder and rim protector, plus his skill level for a player his size, makes him a legitimate NBA prospect." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst

Strengths


  • Size and Length: Legit frame and wingspan that immediately changes matchups.

  • Physicality: Strong base and plays through contact; can wear on opponents inside.

  • Hands and Touch: Catches cleanly and finishes with a soft touch, especially on hooks and paint looks.

  • Screen Setting: Sets real, physical screens that create separation and open lanes.

  • Roll-Man Utility: Understands spacing and timing as a dive big and can consistently finish plays.

  • Processing and Passing: Makes quick, simple reads when the defense collapses; connective decision-making.

  • Rebounding: Productive on the glass and plays with a consistent rebounding motor.


Concerns


  • Mobility and Foot Speed: Slow-footed and can be exposed when pulled away from the paint.

  • Vertical Pop: Limited lift reduces his margin for error as a rim protector and finisher in traffic.

  • Coverage Versatility: Most comfortable in drop; questions about surviving in more aggressive schemes.

  • Spacing Value: Low-volume shooting profile makes it hard to project him as a real floor spacer.

  • Pace and Conditioning: NBA tempo and constant movement could test his stamina and recovery.

  • Matchup Dependency: May need the right environment and opponent types to stay on the floor consistently.


Bottom Line


Krivas is a big, strong, old-school center with soft touch, real screening value, and quick processing as a roll man. Defensively, he projects as a drop big who will need to be protected in space, but his rebounding, rim protection, and interior finishing should translate enough for him to earn a rotation role.

Preciser
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