Just so we are all clear..................

[Pqster]

Just so we are all clear this post is before the first game!

K9 will prove he belongs in the NBA, On the Sacramento Roster, and in the starting line up!

He will do the blue collor work that every team needs. It just puzzles me that every post I read KT turns out to be the scurge of the earth. With all the experts and professionals the Kings organazation has, people and coaches who have been around the game of basketball for years think highly of the man.......its the people on this site that have all the answers.

Just so we are all clear.........Kt can score facing the basket, with his back to the basket, from mid-range when he gets the notion or is asked to do so. That is not his role on this team. We all complain about selfish professionals they all want is to get theres! They all want to be on a ESPN highlight film. Yea KT wants to start do you really want a guy around that says he's satisfied coming off the bench? Hell No! A selfish player does not shoot 48% percent from the feild a selfish player does not only take 5 to 7 shots a game. A guy who knows his role and plays in the system that was designed in order to give his team the best chance to win does those things! 3 years ago when he was with Philly AI went down KT took up his average to 20 and 10 because thats what the TEAM needed. Theres only one ball ladies and gentleman!

I know, I know his demenore yep your right he's no Mary Poppins! But neither is Artest but his role gives him the opertunity to score and be more visiable so thats ok? The Kings don't pay him to come to your house for Thanksgiving Dinner.....they pay him to do the little things to help your team win! By the way KT could be on top of the world but his face and body language looks like someone just ran over his puppy, don't know what to tell you on that you he to speak to a higher being and ask that question.

And whats with the free throw shooting????????? KT your killing me!

You heard it here first! Go get'em KINGS!

 

[CruzDude]

Did you go to UNM 9 or 10 years ago?

 

[Pqster]

Yep, not to mention I'm Kt's ilegitimate hispanic brother. And he has a few pictures I would rather not see go public........but that beside the point!

 

[BMiller52]

I think you're really Kenny's agent

 

[piksi]

What we really need is for KT to play for another team

 

[Roman]

What we really need is for KT to play for another team

Thank you!

As for the line about how all these experts say KT is a great guy ... I remember a radio program a bit ago where a guy said in no uncertain terms: "KT is a punk."

 

[Roman]

Just so we are all clear.........Kt can score facing the basket, with his back to the basket, from mid-range when he gets the notion or is asked to do so. That is not his role on this team. We all complain about selfish professionals they all want is to get theres! They all want to be on a ESPN highlight film. Yea KT wants to start do you really want a guy around that says he's satisfied coming off the bench? Hell No! A selfish player does not shoot 48% percent from the feild a selfish player does not only take 5 to 7 shots a game. A guy who knows his role and plays in the system that was designed in order to give his team the best chance to win does those things! 3 years ago when he was with Philly AI went down KT took up his average to 20 and 10 because thats what the TEAM needed. Theres only one ball ladies and gentleman!

A selfish player plays pee-poor off the bench if he's asked to perform. A selfish player acts disgruntled when they are placed on the bench when they didn't earn a starting role.

Last year, KT was so selfish he actually got moody when taken out of games during the actual rotation. That's something special right there.

You're right ... he's not selfish.

He's *** EDITED for CONTENT ***

 

[fnordius]

I try to cut KT some slack, my wife is from Albuquerque and is the same age, so he used to play at her high school whenever the Bulldogs would be visiting the Hornets. She grew up screaming "Go, Lobos!" and only went to NMSU instead of UNM because UNM was too close to home, and what 18 year old doesn't want their own place? So we were both happy to see KT arrive from Philly.

I think people are being especially hard on KT right now because of his preseason play. In 7 games, he averaged 23.4 minutes, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 points on 42.3% FG and 33% FT. Now, I realize full well that the preseason is a meaningless waste of time (unless you manage to deliver a vicious left hook to Rick Fox's jaw), but summer vacation's over as of yesterday, and I think we are all hoping that he'll pick up the pace now that the games count. If he does that, I don't doubt that it will be like the preseason never happened, and all will be forgiven. Otherwise... it won't be pretty.

And while we're waiting for the first game to start, those who enjoy watching Fox take one on the chin should check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V972dO4OBjg

 

[Pqster]

A selfish player plays pee-poor off the bench if he's asked to perform. A selfish player acts disgruntled when they are placed on the bench when they didn't earn a starting role.

Last year, KT was so selfish he actually got moody when taken out of games during the actual rotation. That's something special right there.

You're right ... he's not selfish.

He's a jerk.

He did not lose his starting position SAR came in and got it because Rick was infatuated with offense! You know it, I know it, and KT knows it. So that don't fly! If you have a job let someone come in and take your job because he's a better dresser and lets see how well you take it? Not to mention when you are a blue collor player its a body of work that doesn't always show up in the stat sheet. A guy can come off the bench and light you up for a quick 15 points and not do half as much as someone else that made a sicnificant imact on the game but you saw the box score or watched ESPN and said man that guy's not doing anything. Thats not KT hes not an explosive scorer not wired to come off the bench thats reality and by no means make him a jerk.

And getting moody when being taken out of a game........................your right almost no other NBA player has ever done that! Most guys run off the court and tell the coach thanks didn't want to be in there anyways.

 

[VF21]

A selfish player plays pee-poor off the bench if he's asked to perform. A selfish player acts disgruntled when they are placed on the bench when they didn't earn a starting role.

Last year, KT was so selfish he actually got moody when taken out of games during the actual rotation. That's something special right there.

You're right ... he's not selfish.

He's a jerk.

Here's the deal:

We do NOT allow player bashing. Criticism is fine. Name calling, etc. isn't. Calling one of the Kings "a jerk" is over the line. Please review the Tips for posting at Kingsfans.com

Thanks.

 

[Roman]

He did not lose his starting position SAR came in and got it because Rick was infatuated with offense! You know it, I know it, and KT knows it. So that don't fly!

Yeah, what was Rick thinking --- a career starter who averaged 20/9. Jeez, he must be off his rocker.

SAR is a much more talented player than KT. KT may be the better fit for this team, but in terms of pure talent ... there's no comparison.

As for doing the little things - if that's TOs, whining and general unabashed selfishness - than KT has it in spades.

I mean, I don't think there has ever been a situation where a player "whined" himself into a starting role quite the way KT did. You can sugar-coat it all you want about how he isn't "wired" to come off the bench - but that's just hogwash. Neither is SAR, but he came in and TRIED for god's sake. KT didn't even try when he was coming off the bench.

 

[Roman]

Here's the deal:

We do NOT allow player bashing. Criticism is fine. Name calling, etc. isn't. Calling one of the Kings "a jerk" is over the line. Please review the Tips for posting at Kingsfans.com

Thanks.

Sorry, it was meant to read "punk" from the above radio broadcast thing ... but I think I fruedianed. (sp)

 

[VF21]

Sorry, it was meant to read "punk" from the above radio broadcast thing ... but I think I fruedianed. (sp)

NEITHER is appropriate. Leave the name-calling out. Thanks.

 

[Roman]

NEITHER is appropriate. Leave the name-calling out. Thanks.

It was a reference not a name-calling. In a radio broadcast, one of the ex-coaches or something called him a punk.

So I was going to reiterate it in quotes ... but got overzealous. But I don't think quoting a radio broadcast violates anything, does it? Not just that, but if the shoe fits ... yeah?

I mean, it'd be one thing if I said: "Bibby's a jerk." and had nothing to back it up. But, acting like a self-centered jerk makes one a ____________. (jerk being defined as: # Slang. A foolish, rude, or contemptible person.)

 

[gunks]

I'd rather have a pouty player who brings down 10+ boards a start then a nice player who only gets around 5...Kings have sucked at rebounding for too many seasons now...KT might end up leading the team in that catagory this season if he gets to start throughout.

Then again, they were about equal in rebounding this preseason, KT's average was down and I think SAR's was up...I guess we'll see where they stand 15 games or so into the season.

 

[Bricklayer]

Well, a good general rule of course, but when you've got guys calling him "a punk" on the radio, we may need an exception. Call it the O.P. exception to the general rule.


In any case, he's selfish, grumpy, and borderline cancerous when poor little Kenny doesn't get the respect that the world owes him for being Kenny Thomas...which unfortunately may be just a more sophisticated way to say jerk.

I tolerate him because he does what not one single other guy on this team is willing to do -- get in there, battle inside, and chase the ball. Even think he should start because of it. But I will still hold a little party when said j--...um...dislikable persona leaves town.

 

[Roman]

I'd rather have a pouty player who brings down 10+ boards a start then a nice player who only gets around 5...Kings have sucked at rebounding for too many seasons now...KT might end up leading the team in that catagory this season if he gets to start throughout.

Then again, they were about equal in rebounding this preseason, KT's average was down and I think SAR's was up...I guess we'll see where they stand 15 games or so into the season.

Thing is - SAR's average for rebounds before being a bench player the past few years was closer to 10 while KT has never been a 10RPG guy.

Not that SAR is the answer. I don't think he is. But, last year, rebounding-wise seems to be more of a fluke. Guys like Bricklayer seem to think it's a trend, but for me it'll take more than 1 year to prove a trend. Brick (and those assuming it's the new status quo for SAR) could very well be correct, but it'd take a little bit at a starting position (not in preseason) for me to agree.

Like I say - two years ago in ATL he averaged over 9 rebounds. Moved to Portland and sat the bench for a year. Came here and played like horse poop when it came to rebounding. That to me is indicative of an off-year or perhaps an injury (perhaps a career threatening one). But, the guy is 29. I give him the benefit of the doubt.

 

[nbrans]

If Kenny's grabbing rebounds then yeah, put him in there as a starter and play him minutes. But his play really trailed off toward the end of last season (10.5 boards in Feb, 8.9 in Mar, 7.7 in Apr) and the hangover has continued into preseason (along with a new wrinkle -- an inability to hit free throws). If Kenny is not pulling down 9-10 boards a game there's no reason to give him so many minutes.

 

[Bricklayer]

Thing is - SAR's average for rebounds before being a bench player the past few years was closer to 10 while KT has never been a 10RPG guy.

Not that SAR is the answer. I don't think he is. But, last year, rebounding-wise seems to be more of a fluke. Guys like Bricklayer seem to think it's a trend, but for me it'll take more than 1 year to prove a trend.

Um...

1) Kenny HAS been a 10 rebound a night guy ('03),

2) and SARs progresively wussier routine on the glass is only a trend if you consider rebounding less and less each year for SEVEN STRAIGHT YEARS a trend. That must be some kind of bleeping record: 10.1, 9.1, 9.0, 8.4, 7.5, 7.3, 5.0....its like limbo...how low can you go? His career average is 7.8 in 36min. Which is quite poor for a big minute PF. People used to complain about Webb, who in his WORST year still averaged 2 more a game than that. Nor is it any fluke for SAR. At his absolute physical peak, playing 38-40 min a night, he could get you an acceptable 9. Years later, breaking 7 in those kinds of minutes would be worthy of a minor celebration. He started as a SF -- where he was on the strong side as a rebounder. Unfortauntely a strong SF rebounder is still a weenie when you shift him over to mix it up with the big boys.

 

[Warhawk]

If Kenny's grabbing rebounds then yeah, put him in there as a starter and play him minutes. But his play really trailed off toward the end of last season (10.5 boards in Feb, 8.9 in Mar, 7.7 in Apr) and the hangover has continued into preseason (along with a new wrinkle -- an inability to hit free throws). If Kenny is not pulling down 9-10 boards a game there's no reason to give him so many minutes.

And KT downright stunk overall in preseason.

 

[CalBears1]

It was Marty Mcneil of the Sacramento Bee that was on the radio and he was the one that called Kenny a punk.

 

[Roman]

Um...

1) Kenny HAS been a 10 rebound a night guy ('03)

2) and SARs progresively pathetic wuss routine on the glass is only a trend if you consider rebounding less and less each year for SEVEN STRAIGHT YEARS a trend. That must be some kind of bleeping record: 10.1, 9.1, 9.0, 8.4, 7.5, 7.3, 5.0....its like limbo...how low can you go? His career average is 7.8. Which is quite poor for a big minute PF. Its no fluke. At his absolute physical peak, playing 38-40 min a night, he could get you an acceptable 9. Years later, breaking 7 in those kinds of minutes would be worthy of a minor celebration. He started as a SF -- where he was on the strong side as a rebounder. Unfortauntely a strong SF rebounder is still a weenie when you shift him over to mix it up with the big boys.

1) Okay, once. Playing with AI ... and getting mass-numbers from being a garbage man cleaning up AIs chucks. That was his role -- clean up AIs misses.

2) 10.1 was a career number for him. He's a 9.something guy. So, using that as your barometer is probably wrong. Then he went to 9.1 to 9.0 to 8.4 (had back surgery) to 9.3 (traded midway through season to Portland to play backup PF/SF with 4.5). Continued to play off the bench (and I think SF) in Portland and then was traded here and had a bad year.

It's an unfair exam on a player. Like I said, in order for me to say he's on the decline - we'd have to remove a lot of the interference on those numbers. I've said I can tell that he's lost passion for the game, but I don't think his numbers are on a decline or not able to be around 9 a game.

 

[Roman]

It was Marty Mcneil of the Sacramento Bee that was on the radio and he was the one that called Kenny a punk.

Thank you! I knew someone did, but I couldn't remember who!

 

[BawLa]

It's not about KT being a average rebounder. It's about KT not being able to help the team. It's like if we had kept Justin Williams. We wouldn't have kept Justin for his offense, or passing or anything other than rebounding/shotblocking. With that said, KT's only asset to the team is his hustle for rebounds. He is not good defensively, he is not a good shooter and as some have eluded to, he is not a good free throw shooter. I don't need the preseason to tell me these things.

SAR is a better passer than KT and he does what KT could never do, which is draw a double team. For that reason alone SAR is much better than KT. SAR has shown flashes of rebounding, and suprisingly Brad has shown a little better rebounding this year, so the need for KT is dwindling fast.

Since we pay Kenny so much money we might as well try and keep the cancer benign and let him start. But the catch is you let him start and play for about 4 min/quarter. In the first 4 minutes of each quarter, KT can grab some boards to get us rolling and draw some fouls (since teams know he is one of the worst free throwers on our team). He may not make those free throws but he helps to put the other team in foul trouble early.

Then you put SAR in at PF for the next 5 min of the quarter. Then after about 9 min, you take out Brad and move SAR to Center and go small ball with another one of our weak PF's. Essentially SAR is a bench player with starter minutes and KT is vice versa. This would be my general breakdown if I was coach Muss.

 

[gunks]

1) Okay, once. Playing with AI ... and getting mass-numbers from being a garbage man cleaning up AIs chucks. That was his role -- clean up AIs misses.

But luckily we have someone on the Kings who shoots an even worse percentage then AI!

Ron Ron!

KT can be Artest's garbage man...You heard it here first

 

[kupman]

Just so we are all clear this post is before the first game!

K9 will prove he belongs in the NBA, On the Sacramento Roster, and in the starting line up!

He will do the blue collor work that every team needs. It just puzzles me that every post I read KT turns out to be the scurge of the earth. With all the experts and professionals the Kings organazation has, people and coaches who have been around the game of basketball for years think highly of the man.......its the people on this site that have all the answers.

Just so we are all clear.........Kt can score facing the basket, with his back to the basket, from mid-range when he gets the notion or is asked to do so. That is not his role on this team. We all complain about selfish professionals they all want is to get theres! They all want to be on a ESPN highlight film. Yea KT wants to start do you really want a guy around that says he's satisfied coming off the bench? Hell No! A selfish player does not shoot 48% percent from the feild a selfish player does not only take 5 to 7 shots a game. A guy who knows his role and plays in the system that was designed in order to give his team the best chance to win does those things! 3 years ago when he was with Philly AI went down KT took up his average to 20 and 10 because thats what the TEAM needed. Theres only one ball ladies and gentleman!

I know, I know his demenore yep your right he's no Mary Poppins! But neither is Artest but his role gives him the opertunity to score and be more visiable so thats ok? The Kings don't pay him to come to your house for Thanksgiving Dinner.....they pay him to do the little things to help your team win! By the way KT could be on top of the world but his face and body language looks like someone just ran over his puppy, don't know what to tell you on that you he to speak to a higher being and ask that question.

And whats with the free throw shooting????????? KT your killing me!

You heard it here first! Go get'em KINGS!

Hey - another K9 apologist. I have been defending K9 since joing the board. I have stopped defending him, because nobody else agreed with me. So, it is nice to see your post.

 

[Troy]

It's not about KT being a average rebounder. It's about KT not being able to help the team. It's like if we had kept Justin Williams. We wouldn't have kept Justin for his offense, or passing or anything other than rebounding/shotblocking. With that said, KT's only asset to the team is his hustle for rebounds. He is not good defensively, he is not a good shooter and as some have eluded to, he is not a good free throw shooter. I don't need the preseason to tell me these things.

SAR is a better passer than KT and he does what KT could never do, which is draw a double team. For that reason alone SAR is much better than KT. SAR has shown flashes of rebounding, and suprisingly Brad has shown a little better rebounding this year, so the need for KT is dwindling fast.

Since we pay Kenny so much money we might as well try and keep the cancer benign and let him start. But the catch is you let him start and play for about 4 min/quarter. In the first 4 minutes of each quarter, KT can grab some boards to get us rolling and draw some fouls (since teams know he is one of the worst free throwers on our team). He may not make those free throws but he helps to put the other team in foul trouble early.

Then you put SAR in at PF for the next 5 min of the quarter. Then after about 9 min, you take out Brad and move SAR to Center and go small ball with another one of our weak PF's. Essentially SAR is a bench player with starter minutes and KT is vice versa. This would be my general breakdown if I was coach Muss.

Sounds like a good plan. He can start, but his minutes get cut and SAR plays more than him, playing 4 & 5. It sure sucks having to work with K9 this way to get any use out of him.

It all started with giving CWebb to much $, then him having a career injury, then trying to get moveable piece that aren't moveable, then having a player with major attitude who needs to start, has a big salary, and many years, and is too small to play PF in the NBA, let alone West at a mear 6' 7".

K9 has been a decent garbage man, but his stroke has really hurt us when you need to make teams pay by hitting your free throws and open looks on the court. He also makes a lot of bone head plays and is a 99.9% going to lose the ball or not convert when he goes to the basket. He also gets called so often for a foul when he tries to slap the ball away from a guy.

We don't ask him or expect him to be a great scorer, but he does need to shot better when given the ball, has an open look, or is at the free throw line.

 

[VF21]

Hey - another K9 apologist. I have been defending K9 since joing the board. I have stopped defending him, because nobody else agreed with me. So, it is nice to see your post.

Why would you use "apologist"? Isn't that a term to indicate someone who is issuing an apology for something? And doesn't that denote the commission of something that leads to the necessity for an apology?

KT has not been the picture-perfect player here. He has not really done anything to reach out to the Sacramento fans. On the other hand, he has publicly stated more than once that he puts his production and his stats first. That just doesn't sit well with most TEAM fans.

If KT and his fans want us to embrace him, perhaps he should have given us some reason to want to.

 

[nbrans]

Why would you use "apologist"? Isn't that a term to indicate someone who is issuing an apology for something? And doesn't that denote the commission of something that leads to the necessity for an apology?

Actually, apologist is used correctly here -- an apologist is someone who sticks up for someone:

Main Entry: apol·o·gist

Pronunciation: &-'pä-l&-jist
Function: noun
: one who speaks or writes in defense of someone or something

 

[VF21]

I stand corrected ... although I was attempting a bit of a play on words considering the general tone of the thread. I should have used the

Bottom line for me is that if Kenny would reach out a little to the fans he might be surprised to see the change in reactions.