MP gets props from SI

by mokhan on Jan 4, 2007 11:38 AM PST

From Jack McCallum on CNNSI in his column today named Better than advertised:

Mickael Pietrus, Golden State Warriors. Of course, you're going to score more when Don Nelson is your coach, so Pietrus's 14.3 points per game, substantially more than the 8.1 he put up in his previous three years, is understandable. But, like his French countryman Boris Diaw of Phoenix, he has a great grasp of the game and is tough-minded.

He may be the first guy in history to say MP has a great grasp of the game. I thought the reason that he never got big minutes before this year was because he would play out of control, shoot too many threes and not focus on what should be his calling card - defense???

To pass up Beans or Monta is highly questionable, but to take MP over Barnes for 'exceeding expectations' is just crazy.

GSoM boyz - how do guys like McCallum get cushy gigs at SI and you don't???

This FanPost is a submission from a member of the mighty Golden State of Mind community. While we're all here to throw up that W, these words do not necessarily reflect the views of the GSoM Crew. Still, chances are the preceding post is Unstoppable Baby!

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ugh...ok

this guy has probably never even seen a W's game. I can gaurantee you that.

Let's Go Oakland! Gas, Brake, Dip.

by OaktownFunk on Jan 4, 2007 3:34 PM PST reply actions

This is what happens when you write an MIP article

by looking at stats. Gee, lemme go to NBA.com and compare this years stats to last years stats of x number of players to write an MIP article. The only reason he can write so much about Kevin Martin is probably b/c he managed to catch a few of those sacto games on TNT where the commentator says EXACTLY everything Mcallum wrote pretty much word for word.

by ThermoElectro on Jan 4, 2007 5:54 PM PST reply actions

oops about the k martin thing.

I was thinking of another article.

by ThermoElectro on Jan 4, 2007 5:55 PM PST up reply actions

he has a great grasp of the game and is tough-mind

"he has a great grasp of the game and is tough-minded."

HAH. Pietrus gets by on his athleticism, not his "great grasp of the game". His bball IQ is.... sad to say... very low. He is very turnover prone when not in attack mode and he should NEVER lead a fastbreak. All things aside, he is more of a poor man's Shawn Marion with the downgraded IQ.

by ZombieWarrior on Jan 4, 2007 7:51 PM PST reply actions

Jack McCallum

I usually enjoy his work, so I'll just say his analysis of Pietrus here is just a slip. He obviously didn't do his homework on the Warriors, which is sad because I presume following the NBA is a full time job for him and he makes big bucks doing it. It's sad that all of us can so easily point out his mistake.

MP2 is putting together a nice season indeed, but it's because Nellie has him focusing on his strengths- spot up shooting, easy transition finishes and drives, rebounding, and even a little shot blocking. His improvement is due to Nellie's coaching and his own hustle, energy, athleticism, and heart. Mickael is a guy you can't help but root for. There was a classic moment last week when Pietrus hi-fived the bumpin' arena crowd after he made a big play. The guy has a fun personality that's contagious.

MP2 is NOT improving this year because of his "great grasp of the game" and saying his game is similar to Boris Diaw in any shape is just foolish.

I will say that MP2 is tough-minded and he doesn't get enough credit for that. When he makes a mistake out there Nellie will go ballistic on him, but Mickael NEVER talks back or gets down on himself. He listens and improves. Major props to him for his energy and cool demeanor in the face of criticism this year.

I'm pulling for the guy and it's nice to see him get some attention from the national hoops media.