http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/143813.html
At long last, a Kenny Thomas sighting.
The Kings forward has been a step slow, literally, since injuring his left big toe in the first quarter at Charlotte on March 14. He will return today against Phoenix, and the Kings can use every able-bodied soul they can get against the fleet Suns, led by Steve Nash.
Against Charlotte, Thomas came down on his foot so hard that it chipped a bone in his toe, so one could imagine the agony of trying to run on a hard surface with a tender digit.
For a man who relies on quickness, that can be a problem. Thomas said he had a metal sole inserted into his shoe to help prevent his toe from bending any more than necessary. He also has a hard cover for the top of his shoe to help cushion any heavy load that falls on him in the lane -- say, Amare Stoudemire, who devoured the Kings for 33 points and 21 rebounds Thursday at Phoenix.
"You never know what can happen in the paint," Thomas said of feet potentially landing on his toe. "But I'm trying to come back to help my teammates, try to make this playoff run."
Miller update -- The Kings aren't sure when they will regain the services of center Brad Miller, who has been sidelined with plantar fasciitis (tissue inflammation along the bottom of his left foot).
"With Brad, it's day-to-day," coach Eric Musselman said. "He could wake up, and it feels better. It could be longer. (Today) and for at least two weeks, it could be a game-day decision."
Artest return -- The Kings will have Ron Artest back in the lineup today. The forward missed the last Suns matchup because thunderstorms prevented his commercial flight from landing in Phoenix.
Musselman said Artest's ability to guard different players makes him invaluable, and the Suns specialize in versatility.
"Phoenix plays small and quick and athletic, and Ron gives us a guy who is multidimensional," Musselman said.
Heaping praise -- You talk Suns, and two names immediately come to mind: Nash and Stoudemire.
Nash might be closing in on his third successive MVP award, as he's averaging 19.1 points and a career-best 11.6 assists. He had 17 points and 16 assists against the Kings on Thursday.
"I just think it's amazing at his age (33) that he keeps getting better," Musselman said. "It goes to show that you never stop developing as a player if you have the right work ethic. He's gotten better and better every year. It's pretty amazing."
Stoudemire has shown no ill effects from microfracture knee surgery that ruined his 2005-06 season, and he looked especially active and effective against the Kings on Thursday.
"He's recovered great," Thomas said. "The guy is very good around the basket. But the most important thing is you've got to stop Steve. It's one of those things, got to pick and choose."
