Pietrus Fails Physical, Ruled Out For Eurobasket Jul 14, 2011 6:25 PM EDT France had hoped to have Phoenix Suns sharpshooter Mickael Pietrus in their squad this summer when they attempt to qualify for the London Games but the country’s basketball federation have ruled him out on medical grounds. All of the players in the French preliminary squad have been given medical examinations at the INSEP in Paris this week, including Pietrus, a 29-year-old swingman who has been hindered by a wrist injury in the past. The French Basketball Federation said: “Following several medical examinations carried out at the beginning of preparations and after consulting the medical staff of Team France, Mickael Pietrus will not play at EuroBasket 2011 for medical reasons.” Via FIBA.com Read more: http://basketball.realgm.com/wireta...ysical_Ruled_Out_For_Eurobasket#ixzz1S9ItFicr
So, I guess Nic will play 2 again. Still a solid starting 5 with TP/Nic/Diaw/Turiaf/Noah. Unless both the Gasol bros are playing, I'd think of FRA as the favorites in Eurobasket this year. LTU is pretty strong as well.
He needs to work on his handle non-stop everyday for the next year or so to become a legit scorer. He can shoot from both midrange and 3pt area well already. Just needs to be able to do it off the dribble. And he already has decent vision. Add a decent handle to that, and he's a legit playmaker. I hype myself just thinking about it. He just needs to keep working, and eventually integrate what he has practiced into game speed. I would hate for his development to stagnate.
Wow. I just read on realgm that Serge Ibaka might possibly play for Spain. That is one loaded team. Rubio/Navarro/Rudy/Gasol/Gasol, with Ibaka, Calderon, Felipe Reyes off the bench.
