Chatter has been picking up about the Golden State Warriors making a move for a backup point guard. With Troy Hudson's possible career ending hip injury, the Warriors are seeking point guard depth. After Baron Davis, the Warriors have ... no one.
Monta Ellis is listed as the backup PG, but Monta's natural position is shooting guard, not running the point. Despite the Warriors coaching efforts to convert Monta into a pass-first guard, he is still looking for his shot and only passing the ball when he cannot get his shot.
When Mickael Pietrus was signed to the one year offer, the NBA collective bargaining agreement states that he could not be traded for 3 months. Those 3 months are nearing complete, and there is no doubt in my mind that the Warriors are entertaining all offers for the Flying Frenchman.
The top suitor for Pietrus is the Miami Heat. The Heat tried to obtain Pietrus through a sign-and-trade before the season began, but the Warriors and Heat could not agree to a deal. Rumors say the Miami Heat are back again, offering guards Jason Williams and/or Smush Parker.
I have nothing against Jason Williams. I just think his nickname of "white chocolate" is stupid. Statistically, Williams' best years are behind him. The other thing about Jason Williams is his price; Williams is making around $9 mil a year. The Warriors cannot afford $9 mil a year for a backup point guard.
The other Miami Heat guard rumored to be offered to the Warriors is Smush Parker. Parker has been more of a scorer than a facilitator. The Warriors are looking for someone who can get the rest of the team involved. I do not feel Smush Parker can fill that role. He'll be another Dunleavy.
Another name thrown out in trade talks is Carlos Arroyo. I saw this guy play for Puerto Rico in the FIBA Americas tournament in Las Vegas. He was balling in that tournament, leading the Puerto Rico team to a bronze medal. Arroyo is a pass-first point guard that can also shoot the three. Arroyo always pushes the tempo and runs the ball. He fits in the Warriors up-tempo style very well.
The problem getting Arroyo? The Orlando Magic have not expressed interest in Mickael Pietrus. Pietrus' strength is in his 3 shooting and supposedly strong defense. He'll chuck up a lot of threes, especially at the corners. The Magic signed Rashard Lewis, and still have Hedo Turkoglu and Keith Bogans for 3 shooting. The Magic will not give up Arroyo for Pietrus that easily.
I think Carlos Arroyo would be a good fit in the Warriors system. Arroyo's contract is around $4 mil, which works for the Warriors as a backup point guard. Now it is up to Chris Mullin and the rest of the Golden State offices to make it happen.
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