This year, the Warriors really have one source of energy. Mickael Pietrus. The worst thing, we don't use him when we should. Instead he hardly plays and isn't used during clutch times when we need someone of his energy and D. If Pietrus were any older, he would probably get more playing time than he has this year.We just need him on the floor like we did with Custodian or Big E, then maybe we would win more often....
Pietrus has been injured a lot (ankle, shoulder). He's exciting, but he's a double edged sword because he's so kamikaze. I merely like the fact he brings energy to the game, can turn a game around with his explosive drives and shots. I also like him because he has a chance to be a solid leader by example on both ends of the floor. When was the last Warrior we had that played any defense? Oh I think his name was Larry Hughes or Bobby Sura but those guys were never scorers. Anyway, playoff teams play defense, unless they're leading the league in scoring like the Run TMC era or the 2002 Dallas Mavericks. I was really confused that Mullin actually thought this team could be a playoff team but maybe he said that after smoking a pound of home grown. Who knows.
There are many factors. I think you hit one, if by older, you mean experience, that is the biggest factor. Simple wear and tear is another, because the season is long, and the team is trying to use its depth to make sure no player gets overworked. For example, in recent games, Murphy and J-Rich have been limited in their minutes. His injuries are also a concern as far as not playing. He came back only a few games ago and it takes time to shake off rust. Further, he has a few minor injuries which linger if not given rest. Both younger and older players sometimes underestimate minor injuries.
The best chance for him to grab more time is to move Cheaney and Dunleavy. I agree that he is a great defender, but his attack-dog style of defense causes a lot of fouls to be called on him. As CR alluded to, he needs to figure out when to be crazy and when to be conservative.
I think Pietrus will tone down once he is guaranteed some measure of playing time. He's young, wants to impress, wants to win, and he feels he can do it almost singlehandedly.
I think there's to much people that need playing time and with Pietrus being banged up a little and still being young, coaches don't want to risk him or put to much pressure on him. By the way guys don't worry about Foyle i spoke to him the other day he said 10 points 9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks is on the way!
That's unacceptable. Tell him to make it 3 blocks and 10 rebounds! And tell him to tell Montgomery to put him in this game because he'll need it with so many guards cutting at the basket. Also tell him to put Pietrus in this game against Orlando's best perimeter shooters. He's got the best reflexes to alter or block a jump shot and is quick to run out to contest an open shooter.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">That's unacceptable. Tell him to make it 3 blocks and 10 rebounds! And tell him to tell Montgomery to put him in this game because he'll need it with so many guards cutting at the basket. Also tell him to put Pietrus in this game against Orlando's best perimeter shooters. He's got the best reflexes to alter or block a jump shot and is quick to run out to contest an open shooter.</div> Yeah Franics is fast, and if we put Pietrus on him we might get a bit of an advantage. And if Franchise gets past Pietrus, there is Foyle to block Stevie
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Air Pietrus:</div><div class="quote_post">Yeah Franics is fast, and if we put Pietrus on him we might get a bit of an advantage. And if Franchise gets past Pietrus, there is Foyle to block Stevie</div> These were terrible matchups against Orlando. Why didn't they sub in Dale Davis? We needed rebounding and the W's just throw aside our obvious weaknesses in favor of players that can't get it done. First Cliff Robinson and then Fisher picking up 3 quick fouls to help put the team over the limit in the 4th. This is nutso. Pure crackpipes right there. And Plus why not use Pietrus on Francis right off the bat? Forget Foyle, the guy is too short and stiff to rebound.
blah that game hurt =( Warriors have been playing good but man they must win these types of games!!!! Monty did a poor job on telling them to foul late in the game and also the Warriors couldn't get the calls. Tough loss and i'm tired of tough losses, This teams getting it together but most likely things will be to late, but at least they are playing alot better. There should be some fun games ahead
At least we can guarantee the Warriors draft talks will be interesting I think we're due for another top 3 lottery pick. I see some interesting euros but they're not a sure thing. Tiago Splitter is described as solid on both ends of the floor and he's a bit of a freak, strong and athletic at 7 feet tall. Chris Taft might be okay, but I worry he isn't dominant enough. They say 7'3 center Andriuskevicius will be good. Maybe with that extra pick we could get a 6'3 point guard or somebody we think that could be very good for a late first rounder like a Tony Parker.<font size="4"><font size="4"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> </font></font></font>
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">These were terrible matchups against Orlando. Why didn't they sub in Dale Davis? We needed rebounding and the W's just throw aside our obvious weaknesses in favor of players that can't get it done. First Cliff Robinson and then Fisher picking up 3 quick fouls to help put the team over the limit in the 4th. This is nutso. Pure crackpipes right there. And Plus why not use Pietrus on Francis right off the bat? Forget Foyle, the guy is too short and stiff to rebound.</div> That's the thing, he blocks better then any Warriors since Maunte Bol
I had a courtside seat last night (vs. Bobcats) and it is very apparent that while Pietrus hustles and plays pretty good D he is so very raw on offense that when he goes up for a shot on a move to the bucket, he has not figured out what he's doing he's looking to get bailed out with a foul call. Yes he brings energy but there is so much more to the game than just energy.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Foyle4president:</div><div class="quote_post">I think there's to much people that need playing time and with Pietrus being banged up a little and still being young, coaches don't want to risk him or put to much pressure on him. By the way guys don't worry about Foyle i spoke to him the other day he said 10 points 9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks is on the way! </div> Yeah, but that was for the month of December.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting philsmith75:</div><div class="quote_post">I had a courtside seat last night (vs. Bobcats) and it is very apparent that while Pietrus hustles and plays pretty good D he is so very raw on offense that when he goes up for a shot on a move to the bucket, he has not figured out what he's doing he's looking to get bailed out with a foul call. Yes he brings energy but there is so much more to the game than just energy.</div> Energy starts hustle for the whole team which usually for us results in fastbreaks, going inside, Speedy stripping the ball, and all the stuff that does good things for the Warriors
I pretty much agree with what everyone has said. There is nothing more frustrating with playing with someone who is lost or doesn't understand the offense or what is trying to get done. Of coarse he usually makes it up with hustle but Monty is still trying to teach.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">I pretty much agree with what everyone has said. There is nothing more frustrating with playing with someone who is lost or doesn't understand the offense or what is trying to get done. Of coarse he usually makes it up with hustle but Monty is still trying to teach.</div> At least he can score. Imagine once he knows the offense...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Spliff:</div><div class="quote_post">Yeah, but that was for the month of December.</div> LOL! Good one Spliff.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">I pretty much agree with what everyone has said. There is nothing more frustrating with playing with someone who is lost or doesn't understand the offense or what is trying to get done. Of coarse he usually makes it up with hustle but Monty is still trying to teach.</div> You took the words right out of my mouth. I totally agree with you and philsmith75. Pietrus would make a great pick up baller because of his hustle and athletic ability, but he has a LONG way to go before he can be effective in the Warriors offensive and defensive schemes. Sure you can say he disrupts the other team when he's running around on defense, but guess what, he disrupts the Warriors just as much. Pietrus has good defensive instincts, but he's also got a long way to go to learn about defensive rotations.
