Bad Coaching Hindering Pietrus

by Fantasy Junkie on May 7, 2006 11:04 AM PDT in News

Check out Dave del Grande's short article on Mickael Pietrus. We all agree that Pietrus did not improve at all this season, in fact he may have regressed. He compares Boris Diaw to Pietrus and that coming into the draft Pietrus was the superior player. What happened?

THE MOST disturbing aspect of the NBA playoffs this year has been watching the Suns' thoroughly entertaining Boris Diaw and asking: Didn't Mickael Pietrus used to be better than this guy?

In fact, he did. A lot better.

Pietrus was considered the superior shooter, scorer, defender and all-around athlete when he was selected 10 spots ahead of his former Euroleague teammate in 2003. And for two years, their NBA numbers reflected that assessment.

But Diaw got a break this season. He got dealt to a team tailor-made for his style of play -- the Suns.

All of a sudden, a point guard in a small forward's body got a chance to play to his strength, demonstrating a versatility somewhat similar to another player his size -- LeBron James.

He and coach Mike D'Antoni are perfect for one another.

The same certainly cannot be said of Pietrus and Mike Montgomery. Two years after the promising marriage of a back-to-the-basics type of coach and fundamentally unsound potential star, Pietrus is in a state of confusion -- having gotten away from his strengths (defense and athleticism) and transformed into a long-range shooter, like many of his teammates.

So, not surprisingly, while Diaw was a runaway winner of the NBA's Most Improved Player this season, Pietrus would have been a candidate for Least Improved Player if the league offered hardware for that distinction.

The 24-year-old desperately needs a change of scenery, which no doubt would come back to haunt the Warriors some day.

Better yet, there's a way to prevent that: Don't change the scenery, change the coach.

After all, Pietrus wasn't the only Warrior left off the Most Improved Player list this week. They all were.

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Fire Monty

There's a million reasons why Monty should be fired. His misuse of Pietrus is just one of them.

It's no secret that Monty just doesn't like Pietrus' game and it shows. Monty gives him bizarre minutes- one night it's 30 minutes and the next night it's 7 minutes. Unlike Baron, JRich, Troy, and Dunleavy who consistently get 30 minutes a game regardless of how poorly they're playing, Pietrus doesn't get that same treatment.

It was messed up how Monty let Dunleavy remain the starter for pretty much 2 seasons straight despite some awful performances, but quickly yanked Pietrus from the starting unit when he was struggling.

Pietrus has a far from perfect game, but Monty hasn't given him the same opportunity that the starters have received. Even when he's struggled offensively, he played some pretty good D.

by Atma Brother ONE on May 7, 2006 1:23 PM PDT reply actions

I just dont understand why....

Chris Mullin has publicly stated that he is going to keep Monty. In several interviews, Chris claimed that he would do whatever was necessary to bring the Warriors to the playoffs next season... and it is extremely necessary for the Warriors to get a new coach. So if they dont in the offseason, Chris will have lied! Now Chris Mullin has had some pretty good drafts, but he has also had his fair share of... not-smart moves. Particularly the resigning of Dunleavy and the huge contract handouts to Fisher and Foyle, and if he refuses to get rid of Montgomery.... that would be added to the list.

by ZombieWarrior on May 7, 2006 2:18 PM PDT reply actions

Don't blame Mullin...

...blame Cohan. I'm pretty sure Mullin DOES want to get rid of Montgomery. Cohan told Mullin that he is not going to pay for two coaches checks, however. That also means "he's staying."

Funny how he hikes season ticket prices for us but can't shell out a few extra bucks to help the Warriors win.

by John Patrick on May 10, 2006 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions