Pietrus Being Counted on for More than Fun

Discussion in 'Golden State Warriors' started by Shapecity, Nov 16, 2005.

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  1. Shapecity

    Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">OAKLAND - Nobody was having more fun during the Warriors' 100-82 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday than swingman Mickael Pietrus.

    He playfully gestured to the crowd to crank up the noise after he drew a foul driving to the hoop in the first half.

    Later, he stuck out his tongue at the television audience after he took a spill on the floor and found himself face-to-face with a TV camera.

    "That's me, man," Pietrus said after Tuesday's practice. "I like the crowd. I like to get people into the game. They came to see us play. I like to get them excited."

    But the Warriors are counting on Pietrus to be more than a catalyst for the crowd. Now in his third season, Pietrus needs to energize his team consistently off the bench.

    He's done that the past two games, combining for 28 points in Saturday's loss at Phoenix and the victory over Chicago.

    Most encouraging against the Bulls, Pietrus was aggressive taking the ball to the basket. He scored 10 points in the second quarter and helped spark a 16-5 run to close out the half and put the Warriors firmly in control.

    He finished with 12 points, shooting just 3-of-9 from the floor but converting 5 of 7 free throws.

    "He's a little more relaxed (this season), I think," Warriors coach Mike Montgomery said. "I think he feels like he can give us energy off the bench. And obviously, if he shoots the ball, that's a bonus. He's a good defender. We'd like him to rebound a little bit more, but he's helping us a lot right now."

    Perhaps it's a sign of Pietrus' maturity that instruction from the coaching staff is starting to sink in. He's taking Montgomery's words to heart and spends time studying film with assistant coach Keith Smart.

    "I feel more comfortable with coach Montgomery," he said. "I'm looking for him to teach me what he's used to teaching young people in college (when Montgomery was Stanford's coach)."

    If Pietrus continues taking the ball to the hoop, he can look forward to more trips to the free-throw line -- an area where he can use some improvement.

    Though he's averaging 10.8 points per game, he's shooting just 61.5 percent from the foul line.

    But if the Warriors need a halfcourt shot at the buzzer, they might have their man.

    Pietrus engaged in a contest with general manager Rod Higgins after Tuesday's practice to see who could make the first halfcourt shot. Pietrus won the contest and strutted off the court.

    Not surprisingly, he wore a smile.

    "He's got a lot of kid in him," Montgomery said. "He's fun to be around."

    No time to rest

    The Warriors will go all of November without two consecutive days off for the rest of this month, and their 17 games this month are their most for any month since March 2002.

    Whether that's an advantage or disadvantage hinges on one basic factor, according to Montgomery.

    "It depends on how many you win," he said. "If you win them all it's a great advantage. If you don't it puts you in a hole. I think we kind of had to try to gear for it."

    The demanding stretch continues with tonight's home game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

    For what it's worth, the 5-3 Warriors already have eight games under their belts compared with the Bucks (4-1), who have just five.

    The busy month has at least given young players a chance to gain some game experience. But it's a grind for veteran point guard Baron Davis, who is playing heavy minutes despite nursing a sore left hamstring.

    "We've had some injuries, so guys are having to learn (while) playing games," Montgomery said. "And maybe they will shake off a minor injury (to play in) a game, whereas maybe in practice they might say, 'Gee, my leg's kinda hurting.' Baron's actually getting better while playing games. It's slow, but he is getting better."</div>

    Source
     
    Shapecity, Nov 16, 2005
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  2. Custodianrules2

    Custodianrules2 Cohan + Rowell = Suck

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    Man, I love Pietrus, but I wonder if Mullin won't try to re-sign him because of who we have locked up. I mean he's a different type of player than anything that we have because he's a defensive kind of guy, but he also is lightning quick off that dribble. I feel like we should keep him at all costs because he definitely has more value than Dunleavy, I think. I mean he does the things we like: score under pressure, hit buzzer beaters, defend multiple positions, and play with energy and intensity. He has heart and the will to get better.
     
    Custodianrules2, Nov 16, 2005
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  3. philsmith75

    philsmith75 JBB JustBBall Member

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    Custodian, I too like Pietrus. I think that the Warriors will resign him. If nothing else, he's a valuable commodity who is only going to get better. He's made some nice strides already. He cuts without the ball better now than last year and is getting to the free throw line. He just needs to improve his ball handling and play more disciplined in the offense.

    Anyone catch that sequence in the Bulls game where he created two offensive rebounds and yet Fisher did not once even get the ball back to Pietrus so he could at least touch it? Man, that's a PG not doing his job. You have to reward those guys who get the rebounds. Let them at least touch it.

    My only complaint with Pietrus is he's got to stick the midrange jumper before he starts camping out at the 3 pt line.
     
    philsmith75, Nov 16, 2005
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  4. Doctor Kajita

    Doctor Kajita Active Member

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    I think Mullin should re-sign him ASAP, if possible. I only see his value increasing and if there's ever a problem, we can trade him for something equally as valuable. He is what Earl Boykins was for the Warriors and is for the Nuggets.
     
    Doctor Kajita, Nov 16, 2005
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  5. Kwan1031

    Kwan1031 JBB JustBBall Member

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    If we ever plan to resign him, we need to free up some cash asap. We already committed 60 mils on 6 players for next 4 years, and I seriously doubt that Mullin had an intention to keep Pietrus when he resigned Dunleavy. Pietrus will be eligible for an extention for next year, and a year after that, he will be restricted FA. Unlike other restricted FA, other teams will offer a contract to Pietrus, because they know we may not be able to resign him due to financial problem. If we ever plan to resign him, the search for an expiring contract must start now...
     
    Kwan1031, Nov 16, 2005
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  6. Kwan1031

    Kwan1031 JBB JustBBall Member

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    Wee... Double post for some reason. Sorry...
     
    Kwan1031, Nov 16, 2005
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  7. Shapecity

    Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

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    Maybe Cohan assured Mullin he would pay the price to keep this team together. This gave Mullin the green light to extend Dunleavy, and not have to worry about losing Pietrus because of money. I think the odd man out will likely be Troy Murphy. The Warriors won't need him once Diogu or Biedrins develops. Fortunately for the Warriors, there's a glut of heavy priced contracts expiring in the next two seasons. And the teams with those expiring contracts could use a player like Murphy.
     
    Shapecity, Nov 16, 2005
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  8. jzblaze

    jzblaze JBB JustBBall Member

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    I like the Boykins comparison a lot. Gotta add in the defense and now the rebounding.
     
    jzblaze, Nov 16, 2005
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  9. Run BJM

    Run BJM Heavy lies the crown. Staff Member Global Moderator

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Kwan1031:</div><div class="quote_post">If we ever plan to resign him, we need to free up some cash asap. We already committed 60 mils on 6 players for next 4 years, and I seriously doubt that Mullin had an intention to keep Pietrus when he resigned Dunleavy. Pietrus will be eligible for an extention for next year, and a year after that, he will be restricted FA. Unlike other restricted FA, other teams will offer a contract to Pietrus, because they know we may not be able to resign him due to financial problem. If we ever plan to resign him, the search for an expiring contract must start now...</div>
    Agreed on all points. Its not likely that we will pay Pietrus as much as he could get on the open market because it would be ridiculous paying a bench player that much. I would love to keep him but in reality it isnt likely and if we do keep him and we expect to resign a couple of our young bigs we would probably have to get rid of Foyle, Fisher, and Murphy.

    We've still got 1 and a half to 2 seasons before his rookie contract expires or we trade him at the deadline next year. I would hate to see him go but its only up to Mullin and Pietrus.
     
    Run BJM, Nov 16, 2005
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  10. Kwan1031

    Kwan1031 JBB JustBBall Member

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Maybe Cohan assured Mullin he would pay the price to keep this team together. This gave Mullin the green light to extend Dunleavy, and not have to worry about losing Pietrus because of money. I think the odd man out will likely be Troy Murphy. The Warriors won't need him once Diogu or Biedrins develops. Fortunately for the Warriors, there's a glut of heavy priced contracts expiring in the next two seasons. And the teams with those expiring contracts could use a player like Murphy.</div>

    As much as I want to think Cohan would spend money to keep both Dunleavy and Pietrus, number of problems are blocking my optimistic thought.

    1. As I said, we committed 60 mils on 6 players. And the biggest problem is that all those 6 players deal will be bloated in 2 to 4 years from now, meaning we will actually have to spend more than 60 mils. It's like we are spending MLE to just cover their salary increases. It would be quite hard to squeeze one more big contract.

    2. With signing of Dunleavy, paying luxury tax is not an option for Cohan, and the matter is how much. But really, how much will he spend? with 60 mils on 6 players, even if we go dirt cheap and spend average of 1.5 mils on rest of players, we will still have 70+ mils salary. Current luxury tax line is 62 mils, and while it may increase, unless NBA find some big revenue source, it won't increase that much, maybe 1-3 mils if we are lucky enough. And, it may very well decrease as well. Really, even with optimist view, we may have to pay about 5 mils luxury tax without Pietrus' extension. And, currently less than 5 teams are paying more than 10 mils on luxury tax. I don't think Cohan is cheap, but I also don't think he will be top 5 in spending.

    3. Yeah, Murphy may have to be a sacrifice goat in order to solve our salary problem. We certainly won't trade either Davis or Richardson, Foyle is very hard to replace, and nobody will touch Fisher and Dunleavy. The way Murphy is playing now, a lot of teams may want him, and we do have potential replacements for Murphy as well. Of course, the way he is playing, trading him means an instant downgrade for the team, so we will see about that...
     
    Kwan1031, Nov 16, 2005
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  11. Kwan1031

    Kwan1031 JBB JustBBall Member

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Run BJM:</div><div class="quote_post">Agreed on all points. Its not likely that we will pay Pietrus as much as he could get on the open market because it would be ridiculous paying a bench player that much. I would love to keep him but in reality it isnt likely and if we do keep him and we expect to resign a couple of our young bigs we would probably have to get rid of Foyle, Fisher, and Murphy.

    We've still got 1 and a half to 2 seasons before his rookie contract expires or we trade him at the deadline next year. I would hate to see him go but its only up to Mullin and Pietrus.</div>

    Yeah, it would be very unfortunate if we have to ship Pietrus. But the fact is that we committed 42 mils on Davis, Richarson, Fisher and Dunleavy, and adding another 8-10 mils contract on another swing man would create pretty unbalanced team, especially for a team that desperately need an inside presence. It may require a miracle to get rid of Fisher's contract and while Dunleavy is the one who should go if we ever plan to keep Pietrus, his contract alone make him untradable for basically next 3 years. And, that's not counting Mullin's love toward Dunleavy. The way Pietrus is playing right now, he will get some good chunk of money.

    And... That's where my dream trade of KG kicks in. If we have to trade Pietrus, I wish we can make the best out of it. Little by little, the condition is getting there. KG has zero support and it doesn't look like Wolves will go anywhere fast. Both Murphy and Pietrus are playing well, and we have attractive rookies in our roster. Still a distant dream scenario, but % went up compare to beginning of the season...
     
    Kwan1031, Nov 16, 2005
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  12. philsmith75

    philsmith75 JBB JustBBall Member

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    Someone will want Fisher. Some contender. Really. No really, I saw it in a dream where the Rockets/Mavs/Heat trade Devin Harris/Haslem for Fisher.

    Oh oh, dream over.
     
    philsmith75, Nov 16, 2005
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  13. AnimeFANatic

    AnimeFANatic JBB JustBBall Member

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    If Mullin doesn't sign Pietrus, I will be freaking pissed.

    Give a ridiculous contract to Dunleavy but then sign Pietrus, I'm okay with that since we get to keep Pietrus (Dunleavy getting 44 mil still bothers me).

    Give a ridiculous contract to Dunleavy but not sign Pietrus, what is this man thinking?
     
    AnimeFANatic, Nov 16, 2005
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  14. Custodianrules2

    Custodianrules2 Cohan + Rowell = Suck

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Kwan1031:</div><div class="quote_post">
    And... That's where my dream trade of KG kicks in. If we have to trade Pietrus, I wish we can make the best out of it. Little by little, the condition is getting there. KG has zero support and it doesn't look like Wolves will go anywhere fast. Both Murphy and Pietrus are playing well, and we have attractive rookies in our roster. Still a distant dream scenario, but % went up compare to beginning of the season...</div>

    If the Wolves were to unload a bunch of guys I wonder if they'd look to the Kings first. If I was giving up Garnett, I'd at least want Miller or Bibby or Peja or some kind of all-star. All of a sudden the Kings lineup would make a lot of sense once they have that franchise power forward back in there. I'd be reluctant to give up Miller and Bibby, but I'd definitely trade Peja. Now the problem with star players is if they're unhapy they'll start whining, so maybe Minny would want some young rook with major upside and can play in a starting role right now. We might have to send Taft or Biedrins as well.
     
    Custodianrules2, Nov 16, 2005
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  15. Custodianrules2

    Custodianrules2 Cohan + Rowell = Suck

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting philsmith75:</div><div class="quote_post">Someone will want Fisher. Some contender. Really. No really, I saw it in a dream where the Rockets/Mavs/Heat trade Devin Harris/Haslem for Fisher.

    Oh oh, dream over.</div>

    Crap, I hope Cleveland takes him. I mean Damon Jones is all right, but he wasn't known to be clutch when it counted. If the Lakers can't find anybody decent to run point, I hope they're desperate to take him back.
     
    Custodianrules2, Nov 16, 2005
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  16. Run BJM

    Run BJM Heavy lies the crown. Staff Member Global Moderator

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting AnimeFANatic:</div><div class="quote_post">If Mullin doesn't sign Pietrus, I will be freaking pissed.

    Give a ridiculous contract to Dunleavy but then sign Pietrus, I'm okay with that since we get to keep Pietrus (Dunleavy getting 44 mil still bothers me).

    Give a ridiculous contract to Dunleavy but not sign Pietrus, what is this man thinking?</div>
    Dont get too attached, I think Mullin will probably elect to keep Biedrins, Taft, and Diogu over Pietrus. Pietrus really is good but its just not very difficult to replace swingmen these days. Solid big men are coveted by all and they should be higher priority so when it comes time to make the choice dont be surprised where Mullin goes.
     
    Run BJM, Nov 16, 2005
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  17. Custodianrules2

    Custodianrules2 Cohan + Rowell = Suck

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Run BJM:</div><div class="quote_post">Dont get too attached, I think Mullin will probably elect to keep Biedrins, Taft, and Diogu over Pietrus. Pietrus really is good but its just not very difficult to replace swingmen these days. Solid big men are coveted by all and they should be higher priority so when it comes time to make the choice dont be surprised where Mullin goes.</div>
    I dunno when the swingman is a potential lockdown defender and decent scorer, I think you'd want to keep him at all costs. Not many of those guys in the league except for Bruce Bowen who has very limited offense and ballhandling, Ron Artest who is an allstar, and to some lesser degree Trenton Hassell who is a limited offensive player and to an even lesser degree Royal Ivey who is also limited offensively.
     
    Custodianrules2, Nov 16, 2005
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  18. Kwan1031

    Kwan1031 JBB JustBBall Member

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    You also have to remember that Pietrus is Saint's choice, not Mullin's choice. At that draft day, Saint wanted Pietrus while Mullin wanted Zarko. Right after that draft Mullin became unofficial GM. Till now, I haven't heard Mullin speaking anything positive toward Pietrus other than default GM lipservice. It really is bittersweet when Pietrus change the tempo of the game with his speed and defense in last few games...
     
    Kwan1031, Nov 16, 2005
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  19. Kwan1031

    Kwan1031 JBB JustBBall Member

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">If the Wolves were to unload a bunch of guys I wonder if they'd look to the Kings first. If I was giving up Garnett, I'd at least want Miller or Bibby or Peja or some kind of all-star. All of a sudden the Kings lineup would make a lot of sense once they have that franchise power forward back in there. I'd be reluctant to give up Miller and Bibby, but I'd definitely trade Peja. Now the problem with star players is if they're unhapy they'll start whining, so maybe Minny would want some young rook with major upside and can play in a starting role right now. We might have to send Taft or Biedrins as well.</div>

    Since Wolves are so out of it, I really don't think they will receive Peja or Bibby. They are good players, but they are bit too old to go through total rebuiling, which Wolves have to go through for quite few years. For Wolves' point, they would love to get young player (25 years or younger) with superstar potential, such as Howard, Bosh, or those type of players. But, not only those players won't be available, even if KG goes those teams, they won't be a contender. So, KG will veto that trade. So, next best thing may be receiving bunch of talented young players for solid building block, kinda like what we went through before Davis. I mean, I looked at Wolves roster and I couldn't find any hope in there. To make things worse, they just lost a coach, who's leading Detroit better than Brown. We may have to part either Richardson or Murphy with probably 3 or 4 combinations of young players and picks...
     
    Kwan1031, Nov 16, 2005
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  20. Custodianrules2

    Custodianrules2 Cohan + Rowell = Suck

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Kwan1031:</div><div class="quote_post">Since Wolves are so out of it, I really don't think they will receive Peja or Bibby. They are good players, but they are bit too old to go through total rebuiling, which Wolves have to go through for quite few years. For Wolves' point, they would love to get young player (25 years or younger) with superstar potential, such as Howard, Bosh, or those type of players. But, not only those players won't be available, even if KG goes those teams, they won't be a contender. So, KG will veto that trade. So, next best thing may be receiving bunch of talented young players for solid building block, kinda like what we went through before Davis. I mean, I looked at Wolves roster and I couldn't find any hope in there. To make things worse, they just lost a coach, who's leading Detroit better than Brown. We may have to part either Richardson or Murphy with probably 3 or 4 combinations of young players and picks...</div>

    Hmm... this makes me wonder why the Wolves even bothered picking Rashad McCants if they were to do a worse case scenario regarding KG. I would have made a beeline right toward Granger, Green, Blatche, Illyasova or Antoine Wright. Whoever was available and looked like a serious player who was going to have almost limitless potential.
     
    Custodianrules2, Nov 16, 2005
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