As we continue to piggyback on the professional work of the Charlotte Observer’s Bobcats beatwriter Rick Bonnell, it felt natural to expand on the story he uncovered earlier this week. While Bonnell can simply reach out and call Larry Brown (who may still be with the French team), the Bobcats Baseline crew can still do a mean Google / Bing search. . .
The latest post from Bonnell centers on Larry Brown’s interest in Florent Pietrus, older brother of Orlando Magic guard/forward Mickael Pietrus (you may have seen him in the NBA Finals). It’s not certain if this move would be motivated by Brown’s new love of French basketball and basketball players or if the Bobcats just want to join in on the “brother potential” movement (see Phoenix’s Taylor Griffin / Robin Lopez). If the Cats can loosen up some money, it’s likely they’ll bring in Florent Pietrus for a fairly conservative deal. Pietrus has been waiting a long time to get interest from an NBA squad and would probably accept any offer that would allow him a chance to compete at the top level of basketball.
Here’s what we know about Florent Pietrus :
Florent, 28, began his pro career with one of the better French teams Élan Béarnais Pau-Orthez. Then, he entered the 2003 NBA Draft. Unfortunately, he was not drafted and continued to play professionally for CB Málaga (Spain) from 2004-07. Pietrus currently plays with the club MMT Estudiantes (Madrid – ACB).
Luckily, he can dunk with two hands!
Two-Hand-Jam #1 »
Two-Hand-Jam #2 »
Two-Hand-Jam #3 »
Baseliners,
Are the Bobs getting new unis? Check out my entry:
http://qcsportsblog.com/2009/08/11/are-the-bobs-g…
Did I miss something here? Am I overlooking something? It seems to be that Gerald Henderson is wearing a new-look Bobcats uniform.
They are getting new uniforms. On their website all the old jerseys are on major sales. At the last game of 08-09 season they announced they were getting all new colors and uniforms. It may resemble the NASCAR Night uniforms ????
We really need to sign Florent Pietrus and then trade for Robin Lopez and Taylor Griffin. Hire Frank Stallone as Strength and Conditioning Coach, peg Ashley Simpson to sing the National Anthem on Opening Night and recruit Clint Howard to direct the player introduction vid.
1) I like the new home uniform. The old ones were kind of lame, very dated. Hopefully, they'll also have several various alternate and some cool looking away uniforms too.
2) Despite all of the griping on many various bobcats forums about the lack of moves this off-season, if the 'Cats do sign Flo Pietrus, 09-10 could be a seriously new look Bobcats. With the new uniforms and the addition of Henderson, Brown, Chandler, & (potentially) Pietrus — potentially all playing significant minutes — the team on the court could be much different. Particularly if Ajinca sees an increase in his minutes too.
Pietrus fits the mold of what LB seems to want in a player on this team. Athletic and versatile, with an ability to play and defend multiple positions(Think Henderson, Ajinca, Brown, Diaw, even Wallace and Chandler don't have clearly defined positions. Felton & Augustin both played SG last season). If Pietrus is signed it hopefully will be at a relative discount.
3) The NBA has made a noticeable turn towards the international game, and if the Cats do pick up Pietrus then it will be safe to say that so have the Bobcats. Hopefully, it will help the Bobcats the way it has helped other NBA teams that have had recent success in the playoffs with international players playing a prominent role. eg. LA, Orlando, SA, Houston, Denver, NO
And imagine if Felton isn't resigned! Basically the entire team is different except for G Wallace.
i had heard two years ago that we were getting pinstripes from my ticket sales guy, but i kinda blew him off.
but i guess we got them.
as for this Pietris situation, i dont think wed have enough money to sign both him and felton (if we do sign him. i think we will).
maybe we get him during the season?
and i was at the home closer last year against Philly. when did they announce the jersey change?
And what's up with the Bobcats current French fetish anyways?
Thanks to Diaw and Ajinca, the Baseline currently enjoys a healthy dose of readership from the République française and if the team lands Pietrus, I may have to relocate as the international correspondent.
Maybe Johnson is looking to sell to a French ownership group? If it lands us Tony Parker, I'm all for it.
"And what’s up with the Bobcats current French fetish anyways?"
read above post
excerpt:
"3) The NBA has made a noticeable turn towards the international game, and if the Cats do pick up Pietrus then it will be safe to say that so have the Bobcats. Hopefully, it will help the Bobcats the way it has helped other NBA teams that have had recent success in the playoffs with international players playing a prominent role. eg. LA, Orlando, SA, Houston, Denver, NO."
Ok…thanks.
So are you as pissed as we are about the Primoz/Herrmann for Nazr deal a couple of seasons back? TWO international players for a guy who sounds like a terrorist! FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!!!
THEY HATE OUR LIBERTIES, INCLUDING THE NEW YORK LIBERTY!
<img src="http://images.paraorkut.com/img/pics/glitters/l/let_freedom_ring-4827.gif">
Playing on Muslims and terrorism?
No one likes the Nazr deal, but that comment was borderline racism. Poor form my friend.
Jared-
If you're not with us, you're against us. I'm reporting you to the Department of Homeland Security ASAP. Have you forgotten???
"Freedom Isn't Free, It's One Hefty ****in' Fee"
-Trey Parker
Lighten up, mein freund.
Brezec & Hermann for Mohammed was a pretty poor deal. I bet LB would not have approved either!
come on this whole thread was pretty funny.
Have no idea about Pietrus. Though I like the sound of it more if we can call him Flo' Peet
I'm with you guys, Kenny Gattison wouldn't approve of all this static. Maybe we should get TR Dunn to assist in some team unity exercises.
Love "Flo' Peet", Mr. Orange.
You get full credit once the dude is signed and sealed.
Not to be a jerk, but I've seen "Flo Peet" on rufus on fire several days ago.
alot of hype for a guy who really hasn't done much. I mean he had a good run in the European Championships, but other than that he is no better than a Marty Conlon type player. If the Bobcats are interested in a long shot they should check out the Tega Cay ball courts around 4:15. Talent pool is cheaper, but odds are about the same.
Alright Jared. We hereby put you in complete charge of the rights to “Flo Peet.” Just let us know who to give credit to in the future.
***And in related news, it should be mentioned once again that it was none other than our own “Deesdale” who coined the nickname “Freedom Fries.” Look for a rad t-shirt to follow sometime this Fall.***