Jonathan Motley Leaves Hapoel Tel Aviv for Red Star Belgrade Seeking More Playtime

Jonathan Motley, the American center, parted ways with Hapoel Tel Aviv this summer after a disappointing season and signed with Red Star Belgrade. In an interview from Serbia, Motley explained that he wanted more playing time, feeling he spent too much time on the bench last season, which did not align with his career goals at this stage.

Motley highlighted the significance of reuniting with Chris Jones, his primary point guard at Hapoel Tel Aviv, who assisted him in scoring 40 to 50 percent of his baskets. He emphasized the advantage of having a familiar teammate in a new environment.

He also discussed his connection with Boban Marjanović, a former Los Angeles Clippers teammate, who advised him about life in Belgrade and cautioned him to be careful when encountering rival fans. Motley expressed excitement about joining Red Star, mentioning conversations with former teammate Ognjen Kuzmić about the passionate fans and the city.

Motley praised Miloš Teodosić, Red Star's current sporting director and his former Clippers teammate, calling him "my guy" and expressing eagerness to reunite. Looking ahead, Motley set his main goal as reaching the EuroLeague playoffs, a milestone he has never missed and hopes to achieve with Red Star this season.