Free Agent: Mickael Pietrus

[SPURSGOAT]

As for the Warriors' own free agents, Bill McCandless, the representative for Mickael Pietrus, said that eight teams had inquired about his client, with about four expressing a strong interest in the swingman. He said he had not heard from the Warriors.

Golden State would like to keep guard Kelenna Azubuike, but forward Matt Barnes and center Patrick O'Bryant are not expected back.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...SPCF11ICKB.DTL

[Tully365]

One of the stats the Spurs are probably looking at with regards to Pietrus and Delfino (who they've reportedly already made an offer to) is turnovers: Pietrus averaged 0.7 TO per game, 1.8 per 48min, and Delfino average 0.9 TO/game and 1.9 per 48 min. Both of these are extremely low averages for swing players.
Pietrus' steal-to-TO ratio is 1.38 per game, which ranked 15th in the NBA last year.
His EFF rating per 48 is better than Azubuike's and S Jackson's.
I'm not saying Pietrus is an all-star, but I think comments about him being one of the dumbest guys in the league are exaggerated.

[objective]

One of the stats the Spurs are probably looking at with regards to Pietrus and Delfino (who they've reportedly already made an offer to) is turnovers: Pietrus averaged 0.7 TO per game, 1.8 per 48min, and Delfino average 0.9 TO/game and 1.9 per 48 min. Both of these are extremely low averages for swing players.
Pietrus' steal-to-TO ratio is 1.38 per game, which ranked 15th in the NBA last year.
His EFF rating per 48 is better than Azubuike's and S Jackson's.
I'm not saying Pietrus is an all-star, but I think comments about him being one of the dumbest guys in the league are exaggerated.

unfortunately both Pietrus and Maggette have bad A/T ratios. Maggette this actually totaled more TOs than assists, and is also negative for the last 3 seasons combined.

[Tully365]

unfortunately both Pietrus and Maggette have bad A/T ratios. Maggette this actually totaled more TOs than assists, and is also negative for the last 3 seasons combined.

Yeah, that's something that concerns me. He's not as efficient as Manu or Tony, and it will be hard to break him of the habit of taking so many shots. He makes up for it with his rebounding and his amazing ability to draw fouls, but does the team become better if Maggette is shooting more than Tim, Manu, and Tony? The best case scenario is he takes fewer shots working his way into the flow of the Spurs' offense, averages 14-16 ppg, and increases his FG% a bit while lowering turnovers.

[Tully365]

No question, Maggette is an offensive talent far beyond Pietrus, with more points, better FG%, better FT%, & a better 3PT%. Neither guy loves passing much, that's for sure. But I see either guy getting more playing time from Bowen's minutes than from Manu's, which means any increase in points & rebounds will be an improvement, scoring-wise. If they landed Maggette and Delfino, Delfino would probably represent an improvement over Barry and Finley in term of defense, and Maggette would be a big step forward offensively. That would be a very successful off season.

[Russ]

Count me in for Pietrus, the getting burned by an RFA offer is the best reason.

Agree.

Pietrus isn't great, and he's already reached his ceiling.

Disagee -- people said the same thing about Bowen when he was cast aside by Miami. I think Pietrus has upside. Bargains come when a team has soured on a player (plenty of Spurs trading partners know this). Buy low, sell high.

But he should realistically be very gettable. And much better for the Spurs to sign Pietrus than get stuck with Finley or Juan Dixon or Mo Evans or Yahkouba Diawara.

Agree.

[JPB]

Pistons Target Posey, Pietrus

Jul 03, 2008 7:22 AM EST
The Pistons are targeting both James Posey and Mickael Pietrus through free agency this month, according to The Macomb Daily.

Posey has been targeted by a number of teams with the mid-level exception, with the Celtics, Lakers, and Hornets reportedly interested in his services.

Detroit is looking for someone to play behind Tayshaun Prince, having used Mo Evans, Carlos Delfino, Ronald Dupree and Jarvis Hayes in the past.

Via The Macomb Daily

[lotr1trekkie]

Exactly how much basketball IQ is required to play in Golden State? Defensive system, complicated offensive plays requiring each player to move in sync. If not for Rick Barry GS would be O for a lifetime in NBA les. Maybe Pietrus isn't the brightest but you can't judge him from GS. Steven Jackson is the Man there---enough said.

[SPURSGOAT]

I think we could land Pietrus easier than some of these other FA we are going after; he has even said that he wants to play for the Spurs.... but it does not seem like the Spurs are interested in him since we have seen no press about it... could be wrong of course...

[Darkwaters]

If Maggette falls through I think the next call you make is to Pietrus.

[JPB]

but it does not seem like the Spurs are interested in him since we have seen no press about it

Which should make you think the opposite.

[T Park]

If Maggette falls through I think the next call you make is to Pietrus.

JR Smith.

Then Pietrus.

[SPURSGOAT]

Which should make you think the opposite.

yea knowing ol' CIA Pop....

[Darkwaters]

JR Smith.

Then Pietrus.

I really don't think JR Smith is feasible. I'd prefer to have him over Pietrus but I just don't think it's a possibility.

[DPG21920]

I think we could land Pietrus easier than some of these other FA we are going after; he has even said that he wants to play for the Spurs.... but it does not seem like the Spurs are interested in him since we have seen no press about it... could be wrong of course...

That seems to be the case, you are probably wrong with the rest of us. Does anyone remember draft night????
SpursTalk: Chalmers, CDR, Batum, Lee, Hendrix, Greene
Spurs FO: George Hill

Thats what I am saying. This Maggette and J.R. Smith and Delfino and Mason talk has the same vibe as the pre-draft. The Spurs went the different way.

[The Truth #6]

What has Denver done to lock up JR Smith? They made a qualifying offer, right? Does anyone know how much that was for?

My hunch is they made an offer just so they could reserve the right to match any offers that come in. In that sense, they only covered their bases. Anything is still possible.

[DPG21920]

J.R. Smith

http://hoopshype.com/salaries/denver.htm

[DPG21920]

Only the qualifying offer for him so far. I am sure some team is going to offer him more though...question is will Denver match? They have said they will, but it will hurt them financially (additional luxury tax) for at least one more year.