Kori Ellis
11-23-2005, 01:16 AM
Pietrus out; Diogu could play Wednesday night for Warriors
BY JOE STIGLICH
Knight Ridder Newspapers
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/13237517.htm
OAKLAND, Calif. - Swingman Mickael Pietrus is expected to miss up to four weeks with a sprained right knee, meaning the Warriors will be without their top option off the bench for a considerable time.
Pietrus was examined by team orthopedic specialist Dr. John Belzer on Tuesday afternoon and is expected to be re-evaluated after four weeks.
The team's No. 1 draft pick in 2003, Pietrus was injured with 4:35 left in the second quarter of Monday's win over the New Jersey Nets and did not return.
"You go through an NBA season, you're going to have people hurt, and you've got to get used to that," Warriors coach Mike Montgomery said. "We just hope Mickael gets back as quick as he can. In the meantime, other people are going to pick up the slack."
Pietrus has been a shot in the arm for Golden State off the bench, averaging 10.5 points and 22.1 minutes through 12 games. That scoring average had jumped to 12.6 a game over his past six contests leading into Monday.
His early season production was even more important considering starting small forward Mike Dunleavy is off to a shaky start.
Guard Derek Fisher, Montgomery's other top reserve, likely will see even more time, though Fisher said Pietrus' absence leaves a void.
"Pure and simple, just his energy" will be missed, Fisher said. "Statistically, that's what everybody always looks at first, however many points a game (he put up). We'll have to make up for that, but really just his energy and enthusiasm and flair for the game a lot of times just kind of picks us up."
As Pietrus exits the rotation for the time being, rookie forward Ike Diogu appears ready to enter it.
The ninth pick in June's NBA draft, Diogu participated fully in Tuesday's light practice and could make his debut in Wednesday night's home game against the San Antonio Spurs.
But dividing up Pietrus' minutes is the most pressing challenge for Montgomery.
He has gone primarily with a seven-man rotation lately, with Pietrus and Fisher joining the starters.
But he'll surely have to dig deeper into his bench now; Monday's win showed some encouraging signs.
Four reserves - Aaron Miles, Fisher, Calbert Cheaney and Andris Biedrins - played for a lengthy span bridging the third and fourth quarters, when the Warriors expanded their lead.
"We got valuable, valuable minutes in that situation," Montgomery said.
With Pietrus out, Fisher will be the first player called on when Dunleavy or shooting guard Jason Richardson need a breather, according to Montgomery.
Cheaney, a steady swingman who has played sparingly this season, also should see more time. He said he is used to shaking off the rust quickly when called upon.
"It's all about being a pro," said Cheaney, who is in his 13th NBA season. "I'm used to doing that. It's no problem for me. I just go out there and do what I can do."
Montgomery also said he might turn to Miles, a rookie point guard, a bit more. Starting point guard Baron Davis still is feeling the effects of a left hamstring injury, and if Fisher is playing shooting guard, Miles could be needed when Davis sits.
"It just depends on Baron," the coach said. "Baron's minutes have been building up. He's getting in better shape. He doesn't want to come out, but we're trying to keep him so he's got some legs in the fourth quarter."
Diogu's legs should be plenty fresh. He's been out since fracturing his left hand early in training camp, but he participated in a full-court scrimmage Tuesday. His presence will give the Warriors a needed scoring threat in the paint.
"I'm real excited," Diogu said. "I'm ready to get my NBA career under way."
With the Warriors playing five games in the next eight days, Montgomery said Diogu will have to learn through game experience.
"There's no point in resting him, he's been resting for two months. So we'll get him out there as soon as we think it's appropriate."
BY JOE STIGLICH
Knight Ridder Newspapers
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/13237517.htm
OAKLAND, Calif. - Swingman Mickael Pietrus is expected to miss up to four weeks with a sprained right knee, meaning the Warriors will be without their top option off the bench for a considerable time.
Pietrus was examined by team orthopedic specialist Dr. John Belzer on Tuesday afternoon and is expected to be re-evaluated after four weeks.
The team's No. 1 draft pick in 2003, Pietrus was injured with 4:35 left in the second quarter of Monday's win over the New Jersey Nets and did not return.
"You go through an NBA season, you're going to have people hurt, and you've got to get used to that," Warriors coach Mike Montgomery said. "We just hope Mickael gets back as quick as he can. In the meantime, other people are going to pick up the slack."
Pietrus has been a shot in the arm for Golden State off the bench, averaging 10.5 points and 22.1 minutes through 12 games. That scoring average had jumped to 12.6 a game over his past six contests leading into Monday.
His early season production was even more important considering starting small forward Mike Dunleavy is off to a shaky start.
Guard Derek Fisher, Montgomery's other top reserve, likely will see even more time, though Fisher said Pietrus' absence leaves a void.
"Pure and simple, just his energy" will be missed, Fisher said. "Statistically, that's what everybody always looks at first, however many points a game (he put up). We'll have to make up for that, but really just his energy and enthusiasm and flair for the game a lot of times just kind of picks us up."
As Pietrus exits the rotation for the time being, rookie forward Ike Diogu appears ready to enter it.
The ninth pick in June's NBA draft, Diogu participated fully in Tuesday's light practice and could make his debut in Wednesday night's home game against the San Antonio Spurs.
But dividing up Pietrus' minutes is the most pressing challenge for Montgomery.
He has gone primarily with a seven-man rotation lately, with Pietrus and Fisher joining the starters.
But he'll surely have to dig deeper into his bench now; Monday's win showed some encouraging signs.
Four reserves - Aaron Miles, Fisher, Calbert Cheaney and Andris Biedrins - played for a lengthy span bridging the third and fourth quarters, when the Warriors expanded their lead.
"We got valuable, valuable minutes in that situation," Montgomery said.
With Pietrus out, Fisher will be the first player called on when Dunleavy or shooting guard Jason Richardson need a breather, according to Montgomery.
Cheaney, a steady swingman who has played sparingly this season, also should see more time. He said he is used to shaking off the rust quickly when called upon.
"It's all about being a pro," said Cheaney, who is in his 13th NBA season. "I'm used to doing that. It's no problem for me. I just go out there and do what I can do."
Montgomery also said he might turn to Miles, a rookie point guard, a bit more. Starting point guard Baron Davis still is feeling the effects of a left hamstring injury, and if Fisher is playing shooting guard, Miles could be needed when Davis sits.
"It just depends on Baron," the coach said. "Baron's minutes have been building up. He's getting in better shape. He doesn't want to come out, but we're trying to keep him so he's got some legs in the fourth quarter."
Diogu's legs should be plenty fresh. He's been out since fracturing his left hand early in training camp, but he participated in a full-court scrimmage Tuesday. His presence will give the Warriors a needed scoring threat in the paint.
"I'm real excited," Diogu said. "I'm ready to get my NBA career under way."
With the Warriors playing five games in the next eight days, Montgomery said Diogu will have to learn through game experience.
"There's no point in resting him, he's been resting for two months. So we'll get him out there as soon as we think it's appropriate."