Should Kenny Thomas stay in the starting lineup?

[CaminoChaos]

This discussion hasn't been brought up in a while, but do you think that KT should stay our starter?

Personally I think he has played very well and should be kept in the starting lineup. What he lacks in size he makes up for in athletisism and rebounding instincs. He also has a better outside shot than Shareef. Defensively, can you think about the number of times he has slapped the ball out of an opponents hands. His quickness allows him to cause turnovers in this way and he is much faster at rotating.

I've noticed the offense stops as soon as Reef gets the ball in the post. That's obviously isn't Reef's fault but I think he can be more productive off the bench.

 

[piksi]

no or bettey yet hell no

 

[playmaker0017]

I fail to see how my response to this question would actually startle anyone, so I abstain.

 

[Goo]

Reef won't be 100% for another 2-3 weeks, how about we wait and see?

 

[ESP47]

Our rebounding numbers have been MUCH better since Kenny has been in the starting lineup. Instead of getting out rebounded by 10-15 a game, were usually close or even winning the rebounding battle. Shareef, injured or not, can only get about half the rebounds Thomas gets.

 

[playmaker0017]

Shareef, injured or not, can only get about half the rebounds Thomas gets.

This is the lowest performace, rebounding-wise in Shareef's career.

He's always been about an 8-9RPG guy. I don't see that as "half" of KT.

Before his back injury he was at 8RPG.

 

[VF21]

I'm not going to even hazard a guess about this...

SAR isn't back to peak form yet, so I'd just as soon allow him the time to build back up NOW in case we do make it to the playoffs. We'll need him at full strength then...

KT is having mercurial games, but he's doing better in the starting slot than he did coming off the bench. It would indeed be a pyrrhic victory if we sent him back to the bench just because SAR was our designated starter and KT collapsed again.

On the other hand, if SAR is able to start and KT finally feels secure in coming off the bench, it could reap huge dividends.

You use the tools you have. You can hold hammer at either end. One end, however, will get the job done a lot better than the other. I'm just glad it's not my decision to make at this point.

 

[nbrans]

no or bettey yet hell no

I'm with Piksi. I like KT's boards. I do not like his jumpshooting, decision making, man defense (he did ok against Pau), help defense (he never does well), passing or basically anything but rebounding. I really don't like KT's game at all.

 

[ESP47]

This is the lowest performace, rebounding-wise in Shareef's career.

He's always been about an 8-9RPG guy. I don't see that as "half" of KT.

Before his back injury he was at 8RPG.

You sure he was at 8? I think it was more like 5RPG....and thats only because of his rebounding in the early games this year. Since then (even when not injured) hes only been collecting 4-5 a night.

 

[playmaker0017]

You sure he was at 8? I think it was more like 5RPG....and thats only because of his rebounding in the early games this year. Since then (even when not injured) hes only been collecting 4-5 a night.

When he broke his jaw he was at 6.5.

For his career, before exile to Portland - 8.8 or somesuch.

Before hurting his back at the beginning of the season, 8 RPG. Then it drastically dropped.

 

[Burrito06]

The only thing I like about Kenny is his rebounding. Other then that he shoots everything he touches and misses about 50% of the time. I'm being generous. Whenever he cuts to the basket he juggles the ball. most of Brad's turnovers are because of this. Whenever he decides to post he travels. For now, let him start but once Reef gets back to form bench him.

 

[HndsmCelt]

Well playing considerations are only part of the story. It would seem that RA is NOT big on Skinner and as Reef gets some meat back on his bones I supect RA will play him more at center (I do NOT necessarly endorse this idea) What this means in terms of rotations untill Reef is 100% would be Reef from the bench spelling either Kenny or Brad, then staying on court. Of course once Reef is 100% then he could start and likely will. Regardless of who starts both Kenny and Reef are looking at big min unless RA decides to play Skinner more. Un fortunalty for Brian with Cisco's blocking becoming more of a factor, and even Kevin helping gaurd the hoop Brian is even less necessary.

 

[macadocious]

Yes, KT is not effective of the Bench and SAR has shown that he can effect the game from a 6th man standpoint. He can be our Detleph Schrempf, w/o the range.

 

[Kings113]

I'd say no until SAR gets some weight back or his rhythm back.

 

[quick dog]

I think Kenny Thomas is not given the credit that he deserves. I think people rag on him because he has no personality. Fans seem to prefer cute heros like Webber and Peja. Thomas is a no nonsense professional basketball player, and not "cute". Rashim is certainly a good player, but so is Kenny. Kenny has been banging in the paint to such an extent that Kevin martin no longer grabs so many rebounds. He doesn't need to run in all the time.

Make the switch to Rahim and the team will suffer. Rahim is a mature and intelligent man, and if he is willing to come off the bench with a good attitude, make it happen. If Rahim insists on starting, which he will not, explain the issues and start Kenny anyway.

I see a good routine nine or ten man rotation coming. Bibby, Bonzi, Artest, Kenny and Miller, then Martin, Cisco, Rahim, and Skinner. Adelman can still use Hart, Corliss, and Price.

I have a feeling that Adelman will preferentially use Bonzi, Artest, Martin, and Cisco on point and relegate Hart and Price to the occassional injury-related emergencies.

 

[Bricklayer]

When Reef first went down, I said no way this should even be a discussion.

But here's a "fun" stat for you:

Reef 05-06: 5.4 rebounds
Peja 05-06: 5.5 rebounds



And so now its a discussion.

Truth is neither should be the man, and neither can give us the combination of interior defense and rebounding that we need to complete our puzzle. Its entirely possible neither is a starting PF for a good team, let alone one with our glaring deficiencies.

 

[MrBiggs]

Go ahead and start him. It would only be a moral victory for KT anyway. That's the only way to get the guy to play with intensity. Shareef is confidant and talented enough to come off the bench and score and rebound. He'll still average more minutes that Kenny.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

I think Kenny Thomas is not given the credit that he deserves. I think people rag on him because he has no personality. Fans seem to prefer cute heros like Webber and Peja. Thomas is a no nonsense professional basketball player, and not "cute". Rashim is certainly a good player, but so is Kenny. Kenny has been banging in the paint to such an extent that Kevin martin no longer grabs so many rebounds. He doesn't need to run in all the time.

I think there is a lot of truth to this. I'm not so sure I agree that he has no personality since he has been very vocal about wanting to start making him something of a "whiner" which does nothing to endear him to the fans and causes others to write him off entirely. Otherwise I agree 100%.

Should he start? Its not hurting right now, it probably enhances his value if we're still trying to move him and if Reef is comfortable with this and we keep playing the way we have since acquiring Artest then we may as well. If he drops off and Reef is ready its back to the bench though.

 

[nbrans]

I don't buy the personality argument. It's not like Shareef has such a sunshiny personality. The fact is that Kenny is wildly inconsistent, turnover prone and borderline inept on defense.

If you are going to make your decision based on rebounding and rebounding alone, Kenny's your guy. If you are judging based on all-around play I don't think you can really make a case against a healthy Shareef.

 

[shaka zulu]

You keep kenny in the starting lineup and keep shareef on the Bench coming off the Bench,Kenny Brings rebounding,he gives you hustle plays he can Defend the pick n roll on the defensive end better than shareef because of his quickness and his ability to switch and be honest with the little gaurds when Bibby is screened,With shareef and bibby in those situations you have Trouble when you face most Teams especially how the game is played in this Day,with Nash's jason terry's and others you must be able to inter change and quickeness is a necessity in this process.


Kenny also plays better with bibby because he isn't looking for the basketball and he seems more than happy to screen without looking for the basketball and not forgetting to set the screen properly.Bibby needs a Screener and kenny can hit the open shot at times to keep the defennse from doubling Bibby,With shareef it seems that he wants to score he wants touches and the chemistry with he and bibby to start and finish games doesn't seem to mix well and it's probabaly due to their history in Canada when shareef was the Man and go to guy on that Team, Between the two the assigments from the Two players only work in spurts.


Kenny makes alot of dumb Decisions but he makes some good plays and he hits the cutters something that Adleman likes and he just isn't a Black hole which shareef is at times which slows down the game and keeps the basketball from moving. Kenny recorded a Triple double against the lakers and in the ABC Game against the Jazz he contributed to the push the Team had in the 3rd quarter with the 3 assists two I remember to fransisco Garcia on Dribble hand offs good screens which resulted in 3 point shots from Garcia which i think help jump start Garcia' confidence in his long range capabilities.


Shareef i think can deal with his role coming off the bench better than kenny, He can provide some good spots where you can change up the jump shooting offense and throw it in to him and let him go to work exclusively,Kenny is the better utility player at that #4 spot who wil dol the dirty thangs you need for Balance and chemistry considering you only have ONE basketball on the court, he helps better in transition defensively and in the half court defense by being interchangeable on switches,Kenny like udonis haslem for miami last season is a Good role player that the Team needs right now in the starting lineup

 

[PFFFT!!]

I think SAR and KT on the court together as PF and C are good against shorter lineups. Much quicker. Soooo it depends. Against Phoenix tonight they should be good since Phoenix is a shorter team and move fast.

 

[Bricklayer]

I think SAR and KT on the court together as PF and C are good against shorter lineups. Much quicker. Soooo it depends. Against Phoenix tonight they should be good since Phoenix is a shorter team and move fast.

Ugh!

 

[kupman]

I like both guys. I would keep things as they are because it is really nice to get some good prodcution from SAR off the bench. KT has not shown that he can play off the bench as well.

 

[Merdiesel]

we'll see when Shareef is 100%...

all we really do know is Shareef doesnt pout like a b*tch when comming off the bench like Kenny did...

 

[Merdiesel]

and about the rebounding thing with SAR and KT...

Bonzi had something to do with SAR's numbers being low this year im pretty sure...

when Bonzi was heathy he had career numbers this season in rebounding.

 

[HndsmCelt]

Sorry fans of Reef and KT... while both guys have NBA caliber games for either to start they HAVE to be matcheded with 4 other guys that of set their weaknesses and need their strenths. IF the Kings starting line up is Bibby, Bonzi, Ron and Brad... THEN Reef is ok... brings inside game, decent handles and is quicker than slow big men down low... Bonzi helps ofset the loss in the boards and it allwos Brad to play high post, but this is still a 5 man line that will get beat on boards by almost every team in the league... put Martin in the line up for Bonzi then forget it, not enugh boards, not enough size. Kenny solves the board problem but has no inside game and kets killed by every big man in the leage... zero interior D and Kings might as well roll out the red carpt and sent out printed invitations to the dunk-fest.

This summer I would hope that a package of a resinged Bonzi and either Reef, Kenny, Corless or even Skinner in some combo can be made for a big man who can play low with his back to the hoop, grab boards and gaurd the paint... call it a Center or Power Forwad it makes no difference it will smell as sweet as by that or anyother...

 

[Goo]

Kenny also plays better with bibby because he isn't looking for the basketball and he seems more than happy to screen without looking for the basketball and not forgetting to set the screen properly.Bibby needs a Screener and kenny can hit the open shot at times to keep the defennse from doubling Bibby,With shareef it seems that he wants to score he wants touches and the chemistry with he and bibby to start and finish games doesn't seem to mix well and it's probabaly due to their history in Canada when shareef was the Man and go to guy on that Team, Between the two the assigments from the Two players only work in spurts.


Kenny makes alot of dumb Decisions but he makes some good plays and he hits the cutters something that Adleman likes and he just isn't a Black hole which shareef is at times which slows down the game and keeps the basketball from moving. Kenny recorded a Triple double against the lakers and in the ABC Game against the Jazz he contributed to the push the Team had in the 3rd quarter with the 3 assists two I remember to fransisco Garcia on Dribble hand offs good screens which resulted in 3 point shots from Garcia which i think help jump start Garcia' confidence in his long range capabilities.


Shareef i think can deal with his role coming off the bench better than kenny, He can provide some good spots where you can change up the jump shooting offense and throw it in to him and let him go to work exclusively,Kenny is the better utility player at that #4 spot who wil dol the dirty thangs you need for Balance and chemistry considering you only have ONE basketball on the court, he helps better in transition defensively and in the half court defense by being interchangeable on switches,Kenny like udonis haslem for miami last season is a Good role player that the Team needs right now in the starting lineup

Wow. I know that playmaker will take his time to response to your post so I won't repeat. However I do have 1 question for you. A team(as of today) with Bibby/Kmart/Ron/KT/Miller, the best post player is Ron which isn't must. When is the last time a team without a true post player go deep into the playoff?

 

[Bricklayer]

Wow. I know that playmaker will take his time to response to your post so I won't repeat. However I do have 1 question for you. A team(as of today) with Bibby/Kmart/Ron/KT/Miller, the best post player is Ron which isn't must. When is the last time a team without a true post player go deep into the playoff?

I dunno -- when is the last time a team with Reef on it MADE the playoffs?

Ok, low blow. But it was screaming to be taken -- the obvious point being there are post players and then there are post players.

To directly answer your question BTW, '98 Bulls. In fact the '96 Bulls won 72 without a great post playing BIG guy. But they still ahd an excellent post player (Jordan), as do we in Artest. And the beauty of the Artest post game seen so far is that he can use it to make others around him better.

 

[LoungeLizard]

Wow. I know that playmaker will take his time to response to your post so I won't repeat. However I do have 1 question for you. A team(as of today) with Bibby/Kmart/Ron/KT/Miller, the best post player is Ron which isn't must. When is the last time a team without a true post player go deep into the playoff?

I would argue that last year's Phoenix Suns didn't have a great "post" player. Yeah, Amare, but Amare doesnt really have a post game. He is just so frickin' quick and athletic that he usually faces you up from 15-18 ft. then beats you to the hoop. Either that or throw it down on a fast break/pick and roll from Nash.

Anyway, it's the inside post defense, rebounding, shot blocking that's the issue. I don't think that's new information as it seems to be brought up on just about every thread.

 

[KP]

Sorry fans of Reef and KT... while both guys have NBA caliber games for either to start they HAVE to be matcheded with 4 other guys that of set their weaknesses and need their strenths. IF the Kings starting line up is Bibby, Bonzi, Ron and Brad... THEN Reef is ok... brings inside game, decent handles and is quicker than slow big men down low... Bonzi helps ofset the loss in the boards and it allwos Brad to play high post, but this is still a 5 man line that will get beat on boards by almost every team in the league... put Martin in the line up for Bonzi then forget it, not enugh boards, not enough size. Kenny solves the board problem but has no inside game and kets killed by every big man in the leage... zero interior D and Kings might as well roll out the red carpt and sent out printed invitations to the dunk-fest.

This summer I would hope that a package of a resinged Bonzi and either Reef, Kenny, Corless or even Skinner in some combo can be made for a big man who can play low with his back to the hoop, grab boards and gaurd the paint... call it a Center or Power Forwad it makes no difference it will smell as sweet as by that or anyother...

100% agree.