KT on the air with Lamb/Napear

[John Galt]

I have not seen KT do less than play his *** off when he's in there. I'm glad he called Grant and Lamb on their BS.

 

[Stojakovic]

What a weird conversation. Did Kenny ever say anything meaningful ?

That Mike guy is a frickin IDIOT. Get out of Kenny's @ss buddy.

 

[thedofd]

What a weird conversation. Did Kenny ever say anything meaningful ?

That Mike guy is a frickin IDIOT. Get out of Kenny's @ss buddy.

I didn't hear more than a minute of the conversation, so I'm not going to try to defend Lamb or Grant. But if you're saying that you're happy with Kenny's effort and production this year, I have to disagree.

I think what Lamb meant when he said Kenny looked "distant" was that Kenny many times appeared really put out to be coming of the bench, as if he wanted to be anywhere other than where he was at the moment. I had that perception, too. Kenny's body language has been terrible, and given his reaction when the Kings signed Shareef, is anyone really surprised?

 

[VF21]

Having read the whole transcript (thanks, Reina!) I think it's pretty obvious that Grant and Mike didn't expect to have to answer for their blatherings. Once Kenny put them right on the spot, they had no response other than inappropriate nervous laughter.

KT didn't lose any stature in my book. That interview actually showed me more spirit from him than I've seen all year. If he can channel that onto the court, things could really get interesting.

 

[Stojakovic]

I didn't hear more than a minute of the conversation, so I'm not going to try to defend Lamb or Grant. But if you're saying that you're happy with Kenny's effort and production this year, I have to disagree.

Not at all. I'm just commenting on the conversation. Kenny's performance this year has been as everybody elses - disappointing.

 

[thedofd]

Kenny's performance this year has been as everybody elses - disappointing.

Amen. Better days ahead, I hope. The iron forged in the hottest fire, etc.

 

[fakie]

thanks for the transcript. very nice for us who won't get it otherwise

 

[John Galt]

if you're saying that you're happy with Kenny's effort and production this year, I have to disagree.

I never thought Kenny was that good a player, but I think he tries - I think he works for boards. I'm happy with his effort under the circumstances compared to a player I won't name but his initials are Peja Stojakovic.

 

[Variant]

Ok, I really didn't like the way KT handled himself in their interview. As I said in another post he sounded whiny and like he was having a hissy fit. Now I do however agree that I like they way he stuck it to 'Rant and Echo . To hear those guys try to backpeddal was music to my ears and justified me sitting here and listening to the radio (the medication makes me delirious , that's my stroy and am sticking to it ), however I agree with Folsom Al, he conducted himself in a bad manner and might have damaged himself in the eyes of Kings nation

I'm with you on this one RR. This doesn't make me feel any better about KT at all. He doesn't need to respond to stupid comments made on the radio by local talk personalities.

I thought he came across as brooding and someone with wounded pride, not as a motivated team player. And I think it's a legitmate point that those very emotions could quite possibly be hurting his play this year.

I'm not questioning his professionalism or willingness to do his job, but, does this seriously make the rest of you more excited about having KT on the team?

 

[thedofd]

I never thought Kenny was that good a player, but I think he tries - I think he works for boards. I'm happy with his effort under the circumstances compared to a player I won't name but his initials are Peja Stojakovic.

I always thought Kenny would be a great 7th or 8th man; no disrespect to him, but because of his size at the PF position. Not that I've followed his career religiously, but I don't recall hearing that he's a bad lockerroom guy, lacks effort, etc. Still, he hasn't been a good 7th or 8th man this year, as far as I'm concerned, and I think his mindset has had something to do with that.

Maybe SAR's injury will be a blessing in disguise if Thomas comes around and turns into an asset. Really, that's the Kings' best hope from all this: that the playing time K-Mart, Kenny, etc. get allows them to find their stride, and that they remain productive once the starters come back.

As for Peja, I'd argue that Miller and Bibby have turned in a number of turds this season when it looked like they didn't care or have a clue. What gets me the most about Peja is that he seems to have a lower-than-average tolerance for pain; thus, the suspicion that he's not about the team. Sad to say, but it's probably time to move Peja before his value decreases further.

 

[SacKings384]

This is what I got out of it. Grant and Lamb say basically that Thomas is being distant and acting all pissed off and looks like he's not really into it now that he's coming off the bench. KT calls in and basically says that he hates coming off the bench and you shouldn't expect him to be happy and have smiles and being fake. Meaning that KT really is angry coming off the bench. Meaning that Grant and Lamb are really indeed correct.

 

[Variant]

This is what I got out of it. Grant and Lamb say basically that Thomas is being distant and acting all pissed off and looks like he's not really into it now that he's coming off the bench. KT calls in and basically says that he hates coming off the bench and you shouldn't expect him to be happy and have smiles and being fake. Meaning that KT really is angry coming off the bench. Meaning that Grant and Lamb are really indeed correct.

That's about what I got out of it too.

 

[AleksandarN]

If Grant and Mike had to back-pedal, then my opinion of Kenny Thomas just went way up. Those two clowns have gotten away with WAY too many jabs at our players without being held accountable for them.

Grant and Mike didn't know what to say for the simple reason they had no way to backtrack that would explain their knives sticking in Kenny's back...

Major props to Kenny Thomas and if he's refusing to do any more radio shows, a standing ovation!

And I guess I'm in the minority but at least KT is being honest. He's said all along that he wanted to start; he hasn't hidden behind a variety of excuses. I don't think he's necessarily a good fit for the Kings but I respect his honesty.

And the fact he made Howdy Doody and Lambchop look like fools is golden...

Nothing golden about it. Kenny Thomas is a whinny little dog in my books. All he did in Philly is wine when he did not get the starting role. He is not a good team player at all. That guy needs a reality check. Come on look at Mcdyess in Detroit now he is team player. Kenny is cancer and should be trade asap.

 

[AleksandarN]

I don't have a problem with a player sticking up for himself. I have a much bigger problem with that two-faced, backstabbing, red-headed weasel. He did the same thing with Bobby and Webb, and the way he toes the "company" line and never questions anything the organization does is getting a little old. Last year K-9 was the greatest power foward in the history of the game after the Webber trade(Best trade in the history of the Kings), this year it's Reef, and Kenny sucks...please. Props to Kenny for calling those guys on what they said, those two would have just conducted the interview like they hadn't said anything about the guy just moments before... talk about two-faced. Hilarious to hear them fumble for words! LOL now callers are coming at him, I love it! He just says, " I didn't say that" and hangs up on them lol. Another caller just called in right after and says yeah you did!

How are they any different then many of fans on this same board?

 

[VF21]

First, I still think it's great that Grant and Mike had to back-pedal. The only thing I don't like about going to Sacramento is listening to their show on KHTK. Mike Lamb is rude, abrasive, condescending, etc. If Kenny Thomas made him have to back up and regroup, I personally am a happy camper.

There's a big difference between what fans post on message boards and what ALLEGEDLY "in-the-know" sportscasters say on the air. It's high time someone called them on their comments.

 

[AleksandarN]

I never thought Kenny was that good a player, but I think he tries - I think he works for boards. I'm happy with his effort under the circumstances compared to a player I won't name but his initials are Peja Stojakovic.

You probably name every other King too not named Bonzi. Seriousily there is alot problems with the Kings right now and rebounding I think is the biggest. We need rebounders in the worst way.

 

[uolj]

Kenny is cancer.

In case you weren't aware, the proper phrase is "Kenny is a cancer". Normally I would assume it was just a typo, but that's the second time I've seen it on this message board that way in reference to a Sacramento Kings power forward, and people still haven't forgotten the first time.

That said, I don't think Thomas is a cancer, at least there is no evidence that he has been one here with the Kings. All he has ever said was that he wants to start and that he's basically disappointed in not starting. The attitude shown in this interview is not locker room cancer material, and that is all that I've seen out of him since he's been with the Kings.

Saying Thomas is a cancer is much too harsh for this situation in my opinion.

 

[KP]

Seriousily there is alot problems with the Kings right now and rebounding I think is the biggest. We need rebounders in the worst way.

Reef is one of the biggest contributers to this problem^. It doesn't matter if we can make stops, if we can't secure a defensive rebound. Hopefully Kenny can do better.

 

[AleksandarN]

In case you weren't aware, the proper phrase Kenny is a cancer. Normally I would assume it was just a typo, but that's the second time I've seen it on this message board that way in reference to a Sacramento Kings power forward, and people still haven't forgotten the first time.

That said, I don't think Thomas is a cancer, at least there is no evidence that he has been one here with the Kings. All he has ever said was that he wants to start and that he's basically disappointed in not starting. The attitude shown in this interview is not locker room cancer material, and that is all that I've seen out of him since he's been with the Kings.

Saying Thomas is a cancer is much to harsh for this situation in my opinion.

How is not harsh then. He thinks he should be the starter like he is a better option than SAR. This guy is doing the same thing in Philly as he is doing here. He thinks he is a starter and does nothing to show for it when he is not starting.

P.S. it is a typo.

 

[AleksandarN]

Reef is one of the biggest contributers to this problem^. It doesn't matter if we can make stops, if we can't secure a defensive rebound. Hopefully Kenny can do better.

SAR can do better and Kenny has not shown much so far this year as a back up. Our rebounding needs to better but having Kenny in there as a starter creates other problems aswell and would not make for the extra 2 rebounds a game he would bring.

 

[KP]

How is not harsh then. He thinks he should be the starter like he is a better option than SAR. This guy is doing the same thing in Philly as he is doing here. He thinks he is a starter and does nothing to show for it when he is not starting.

P.S. it is a typo.

Well, he's starting now. Hopefully he can increase that trade value... although with that contract he's going to have to play out of his mind.

 

[ParniValjak]

Kenny just came out looking like whinger. Nothing more nothing less.

 

[AleksandarN]

Well, he's starting now. Hopefully he can increase that trade value... although with that contract he's going to have to play out of his mind.

I hope so too. I am praying for him to play out of this world. I hope NJ will bite they need PF in a worse way Jeff McInnis would be good

 

[Bonzinator]

even though i think it was very funny that kenny made grant and mike take back what they said, he still sounded like a little baby and if he wants to start he better prove it

 

[Warhawk]

I think if some of you hate Grant and Mike so much you should stop listening to them. Really. Why subject yourselves to something you dislike?

They are being paid to entertain. That is their primary goal, to entertain enough to get folks to listen. If you don't like it, go somewhere else.

I am sick and tired of all the Grant and Mike name calling and bashing here. Are they the most entertaining duo ever? No. Do I enjoy listening to their Kings talk? Most of the time. Do I agree with them? Probably more times than not, but who cares?

I did not hear the interview, but reading the transcript, I am at a loss to see where they changed their tune and ran for mommy as many are indicating. Looks like they both explained their sides and hashed out some kind of mutual agreement on his attitude, etc. I think a lot of folks are reading more into it than is there. Again, maybe some of it is lost in the change from spoken word to written transcript, but I'm just not seeing it.

 

[quick dog]

This is what I got out of it. Grant and Lamb say basically that Thomas is being distant and acting all pissed off and looks like he's not really into it now that he's coming off the bench. KT calls in and basically says that he hates coming off the bench and you shouldn't expect him to be happy and have smiles and being fake. Meaning that KT really is angry coming off the bench. Meaning that Grant and Lamb are really indeed correct.

Good observation.

Plus, Grant and Mike did not handle the heat very well. When someone calls you on a critical or potentially embarassing statement, it is best to relax, then reiterate your opinion without equivication or reservation. I would have put it right back in Kenny's face if I thought he was indeed screwing up or exhibiting a bad attitude. Right or wrong, a person ought to stick by their statements, or admit their errors and apologize if necessary. IMO, no apology was necessary in this case.

 

[Warhawk]

Mike: Kenny, I’m just—I totally understand it. I totally do and that’s why I’m not glad the way the opportunity came down but I’m glad you got this opportunity to get back in that group. I think you deserve that and for this reason, I know it hasn’t been east for you, I know this isn’t how you’re made up and this is what I appreciate, some guys will be phony about it and act like little cheerleaders and its all good and their teammates

Kenny: That’s not me

........

Mike: And their teammates know its not you. So, when I said you looked distant and maybe that’s not the right word, but you are just trying to be business like about it aren’t you?

Kenny: yeah. I mean….[he pauses and then lets out a “Ugh”], last year when I was playing, me Brian and Corliss, when we all got traded here we came in and everybody played good. And we were winning and the record was different. So, what does this whole situation with me starting and now—I just don’t get it. How, I don’t understand I look distant from my teammates and I hang out with my teammates. They don’t have anything to do with it.

........

Mike: My perception—here’s my perception, that there are times when out there you just don’t seem to be working with in it the way you did last year.

Kenny: why is that?

Mike: There doesn’t seem to be the flow. Its not effort, it just doesn’t seem that the flow is there the way it was last year.

Kenny: Ok, how many min. was I getting last year opposed to this year? What am I averaging now?

Mike: Twice as many.

Kenny: Ok then. And what? …I mean I’m asking you the questions, since you trying to analyze the thing, I mean you tell me

........

Kenny: I’m honestly asking you—I mean I really want an answer

[Another pause]

Mike: That has been I’ve looked at it. Grant put it one way I put it another way. And I don’t mean it distant from your teammates and I don’t think you’ve acted as though you’re better than they are, I just think you’ve kind of put yourself in a spot where you are just going to do your job, do your business and not act—and you cant—and you’re caught in spot where you can’t act like you are happy with the situation, because you’re not.

Kenny: That’s why I go to work right?

Mike: Yes

Kenny: Do my business, to do my job, right?

Grant: we’re not ripping you—

Kenny: What else am I supposed to do?

Grant: Can I say something Kenny? We’re not sitting—I don’t know what anybody said that called you—we’re not bashing you. I made the comment that you as a starter now—this is exactly how I phrased it—I said the one thing that was puzzling to me this year has been you offensive struggle. My comment was this: I said now with Kenny in the starting line up, if he can get his offensive going the way he did last year I think this team can really build some consistency and really start playing well. And that’s all I said and I really believe that. I don’t know the reasons for anyone’s productions being down, I mean there are a lot of players--Brad Miller’s production is down, Mike Bibby’s productions it down, Peja Stojakovic’s production is down, hey you know what I don’t know the answers for that. All I do know is what these guys and you are capable of doing. I don’t know why it hasn’t happened but I know what you guys are capable of doing. That’s all I said.

Kenny: Well this is a new team; we had a different team last year. We’re still trying to figure things out. But the thing about me is that I’m going to come in there and I’m going to play hard. People can think what they want to think of me, everyone has their own opinion. But I’m going to work and I’m going to do my job. So, I was just curious, somebody called me so I was calling you guys.

........

Grant: There is nobody in this room and I’m speaking because we’re on the air and we’ve got thousand of people listening, I can tell you I like the hell out of you and I know Mike speaks highly of you. Hey, we’re doing a radio show and this thing is getting blown out of proportion. We’re not ripping you, we’re not sitting here saying you don’t care; we’re not sitting here and all of that. All—I just made a simple comment that if you can start playing offensively like you have, that this team can start to take off. Mike made the comment that he thought that you looked distant. Perception is not always reality. A lot people think I’m unhappy all the time because I don’t smile. Hey you know what that’s not the truth—

Mike: You are

[Mike and Grant laugh]

Grant: but that’s the perception that people get. I don’t want to make a big deal out of it, you know.

Kenny: Ok, that’s why I called. And I asked Mike to answer the question, so…didn’t get a legitimate answer but it is what is, huh?

Mike: I don’t know how to convey it any better, Kenny. Maybe I’m having a problem trying to convey it because on the one hand I understand it and on the other one I don’t know how to ---its not like you are acting put off or you don’t like guys…

Kenny: You said it earlier, so just---just say it. I look like I’m distant or

.........

Kenny: Oh, ok, ok. I misunderstood that.

........

Mike: I think being a starter agrees with you a hell of a lot more than being a guy on the bench and I don’t think you’ve been phony. I don’t think you’ve tried to convey that you’re ok with it and I don’t think you’ve done it to the detriment of the team

Kenny: I mean I’ve been starter for the last 6 years

Mike: Right

Kenny: And it was something that—I mean it wasn’t cool with me, of course.

Mike and Grant: yea

Kenny: I mean that’s what I’m accustomed to. In my career I’ve put up decent amount of #’s and I’ve had good games and I’ve had bad games. Now I’ve got a new role and like you said Grant I got 2-3 weeks, I guess to prove myself again. And then, who knows what’s going to happen.

........

Grant: Kenny, you got a smile on your face now?

Kenny: yeah, I’m grinning a little bit.

[Mike and Grant laugh (or try to laugh it off)]

Grant: Just grinning a little bit…

........

Mike: And that it the total truth. And I’m one of the few people that understand how you feel. When I said you are being distant, it’s not in a judgmental way. Its just being on the bench is not your thing and my God everyone knows there is no sin in that.

Kenny: Who would want to be on the bench?

Mike: A loser

Kenny: Huh—thank you.

Grant: I’m just glad you’ll at least get to play you 30 -35 or whatever min against Philadelphia, so that will be fun to watch next week.

[Kenny laughs]

Mike: You don’t agree with Rick’s decision and you’re buying your time until you can bat you self back into the lineup. That’s what’s going on here.

[Kenny laughs]

Mike: Right? If you do agree with Rick, you don’t think you are a starter and I know you think you are.

Kenny: I plead the 5th on that.

[They laugh]

OK, I tried to trim it down to some of the more pertinenent points, but where are they "backtracking"? I listen to them often and have never heard them say anything about KT other than what was mentioned in this interview (or very similar).

Sounds like they maybe started on the wrong foot, but got it hammered out during the interview.

Again, I didn't hear it, and am only going by the transcript, but where is all this BS coming from?

 

[Evenstar]

thanks for the transcript reina!!! mucho appreciation

very juicy stuff indeed. mike sounded like a total jerkface, kenny sounded a bit whinny, grant was buttkissing.

kenny whinning kinda gets to me. now i don't have the privilege of watching every single kings games this year, but what i have seen from kenny hasn't impressed me much. it sounds to me like coming off the bench is getting to him. he sounds very defensive on his stance of being a starter for the past 5 years. if he wants to not be the target of talk show banter, he should bring his starter energy off the bench. make some better contributions. now don't get me wrong, i'm not defending what mike or grant said. but when you get down to the nitty gritty, it is their job to talk about the kings, and clearly the kings aren't getting it done. it's not kenny's fault, but he's the biggest name off the bench which is putting up some of the worst numbers in the NBA. so some of the onus is on him. if he's so big on being a professional, then quit the hissy **** and play like a man. starting or no starting, go out there, give it your all. i just don't get whats so GD important about starting. big flapping deal, you have to come off the bench, cry me a bleeping river. you and your millions of dollars get none of my sympathy.

lucky for us, he gets to start for the next few weeks with SAR nursing a broken jaw ( OUCH!!!) i hope this lights a flame inside him, hopefully one that lasts all year, even when he does have to go back to the bench. the kings needs kenny thomas to produce, no matter where the minutes come from.

GO KINGS!

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

Grant and especially Mike were very tongue tied...long lapses of silence when Kenny asked them what they expected out of him and what Mike meant by "distant." Mike could not answer Kenny, as he was fumbling for an explaination.

Kenny did indeed hang up on them (I heard him say "I'm out" also). Then he also said he wasn't doing the show any longer. He seemed really irritated and Grant just tried to soften the situation. Then when they got off with Kenny, Grant said how he appreciates how much of a man Kenny was for challenging them. LOL!

damn! I'm pissed that I missed it, I was at work still. Wow, maybe Kenny will use these comments, and bundle them up with all the rest of the people saying the same thing, and maybe it will light a little fire under Kenny. Who knows. Not counting on anything.

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

I hope so too. I am praying for him to play out of this world. I hope NJ will bite they need PF in a worse way Jeff McInnis would be good

You dont want Jeff McInnis on our team...trust me. You think we have no defense already...Jeff would only add to that.