Pietrus Signs With Toronto Raptors

After Many Offers, Free-Agent Mickael Pietrus Chooses Toronto

By Ali Koskoris

Veteran Mickael Pietrus has played on many a team, including a decent season with the Celtics last year. On Friday, he committed himself to the Toronto Raptors.  The thirty-year-old small forward averaged seven points and three rebounds last season, spreading the floor and finishing behind the arc on offense, and providing defensive surges.

AP Photo/ Charles Krupa

Multiple teams approached Pietrus when his contract ended with Boston, including the Spurs, Timberwolves, Bucks, Pacers, Hawks, 76ers, Rockets, Bulls, and Celtics.  Pietrus dragged the process out because he wanted either a multi-year deal or more than the veteran minimum.

The Raptors got rid of their own veteran, Dominic McGuire (who has averaged just 2.1 points and 3.2 rebounds so far this year), in order to acquire Pietrus.  Reportedly, Toronto only offered Pietrus the veteran’s minimum.  Thus comes the question as to why Pietrus chose the Raptors (a team with a horrifying 3-13 record when he signed). 

One possibility is that, because he is French, he might feel a little more at home in Canada.  “It’s great that they speak French here, too,” Pietrus said in an NBA TV interview.  “I’m excited to be a Raptor…Today is a new beginning.”  Pietrus also says that he thoroughly respects Raptors’ head coach Dwane Casey.

Toronto has been suffering from many injuries, including that of small forward Landry Fields.  Hopefully Pietrus will be able to fill the void until Fields returns and they can play on the floor together. 

With Pietrus, the team will most likely start to win more, but they will not be playoff contenders.  They still lack a star (or group of stars) and it would be difficult for them to come back from such a difficult start to the season.