The Golden State Warriors have won just two games and at this point anything could help. They expect to get a spark from second-year guard Mickael Pietrus, who is returning this Saturday from the injured list.
The guard/forward is returning from a dislocated left shoulder sustained during the Warriors' first summer league game. He underwent surgery in July and has been brought back slowly for fear of re-aggravating the injury. Pietrus, who had been limited to one-on-one and two-on-two drills, said he is thrilled to be going full-tilt with his teammates again.
Pietrus has been cleared to begin full-contact practice on Wednesday and coach Mike Montgomery plans to play him against Memphis on Saturday.
"I don't expect him to play 48 minutes, but I expect him to get on the floor," Montgomery said. "There's no reason not to play him."
"I'm really excited," Pietrus said. "I want to help the team, bring my energy, bring my intensity and win games."
Pietrus started 22 of the final 23 games last season, averaging 9.3 points and 3.8 rebounds in 23.5 minutes. He was particularly impressive on defense, where Montgomery expects him to have the biggest impact initially.
Pietrus has one of the brightest futures out of all second-year players. His game has shades of Ron Artest in it, and could become the player on the Golden State roster that could turnaround the organization, possessing intangibles that have been missing over the last decade.