Mickaël Piétrus is a retired French professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for nine seasons. He was born on February 7, 1982, in Les Abymes, Guadeloupe, and began his professional career in France with Pau-Orthez in 2000.
Piétrus was known for his athleticism, defensive skills, and three-point shooting ability. He played for several NBA teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, and Toronto Raptors. He was drafted by the Warriors in the first round of the 2003 NBA draft and played for them for five seasons.
During his time with the Warriors, Piétrus was known for his high-flying dunks and his ability to hit clutch three-pointers. He was also a strong defender and was often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best player. In the 2007 NBA playoffs, Piétrus played a key role in the Warriors' upset of the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks, averaging 11.3 points per game and shooting 50% from three-point range.
After leaving the Warriors, Piétrus played for several other NBA teams, but never quite reached the same level of success he had in Golden State. He was often used as a role player off the bench, providing energy and defense for his team.
In addition to his NBA career, Piétrus also played for the French national team. He helped lead France to a bronze medal at the 2005 European Championships and a silver medal at the 2011 European Championships. He also played in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, helping France finish in sixth place both times.
Piétrus retired from professional basketball in 2015. Since then, he has worked as a basketball analyst for French television and has been involved in various charitable endeavors. He is also a co-owner of a basketball academy in Guadeloupe, where he helps train young players.
Overall, Mickaël Piétrus had a successful basketball career, both in the NBA and with the French national team. He was known for his athleticism, defensive skills, and three-point shooting ability, and played a key role in the Warriors' upset of the Mavericks in the 2007 NBA playoffs. While he never quite reached the same level of success after leaving Golden State, he remained a valuable role player and helped lead France to several international medals.
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