mickael pietrus

Pietrus was a surprise draft pick. I seem to recall Ridnour and Collison were both still on the board, and the Warriors had been linked to them. In any case, Pietrus was considered very athletic, very raw, and perhaps a little light on the basketball IQ. Unfortunately, all of those things have appeared to be true, and for the most part remain so to this point.

In a certain sense, I almost feel like he's regressed while he's been in Golden State. His rookie year he looked like such a phenomenal on ball defender, and showed such power and flash getting to the rim, that I actually advocated trading Jason Richardson and making Mickael the starting 2 guard. But as time went on, his play became more erratic, and I realized that what I had witnessed was more likely a prolonged hot streak, or inspired play sparked by the beginning of his career.

So, here's the nitty gritty... Pietrus can play defense, and do so very effectively. I've seen him play Kobe Bryant admirably and skillfully. Problem is, he's also not terribly smart, and he gets baited into a lot of fouls, some far from the basket (I think it was such a call that killed our momentum against you guys, him and Mbenga) in inexcusable circumstances.

He's not good with the ball in his hands. Once again, he seemed more proficient at creating his own shot before Don Nelson took over, but even watching him dribble upcourt in a fast break scenario can be harrowing. Something he's particularly guilty of is not being able to make his mind up as he goes to the basket whether to dunk or layup or pass, which leads to awkward fumbling and turnovers.

His shooting ability comes and goes, and is probably a little better than people give him credit for. He's got a dead-eye shot from the corner on the near sideline. If a defender closes out quickly on him, though, he has developed a habit of pump faking and hopping to one side before launching a fadeaway jumper, which both brings him inside the three point line and is so awkward that I've only seen him hit it once (against you guys).

Also, he travels. He travels a lot, and it's always the unforced, taking a step before the first dribble kind. Anytime he catches the ball outside the arc and tries to make a move, I hold my breath.

That said, it could well be that he's just not cut out for the kind of team the Warriors are, and he could be a great player in a more structured system. He's supposed to be a very goofy, energetic and beloved personality on the team, for what that's worth. I can honestly say, though, that I'd probably do the swap for Hassell if Dallas threw in a 2nd rounder, that's just me.