I've been reading some posts on what the starting line-up should be and everything, but I think that Kenny Thomas should be given a chance. Let me first say, though, for the record, I do want the Rockets to re-sign Mo Taylor. Although Eddie will be a superstar, it may be unrealistic to expect him to start right away. Shandon Anderson still remains a possibility, but I think the Rockets will try to do a sign and trade deal because Shandon other than playing decent defense from time to time doesn't really give you anything else. Walt Williams (if he is still retained) and Matt Bullard could also start at the 3, but I think the Rockets are not putting their best team on the floor. Which leads me to Kenny. He played some of the 3 in his rookie year and he has also played the 5 spot along with the 4. Kenny would give us the rebounding (he's always rebounded when he's been in there) to cover for Mo plus he would be a tough matchup for the other teams's 3 although with the NBA lifting the ban on the zone defense that won't be as important this year as it has been in the past. Eddie could back up Mo at the 4 as well as Kenny at the 3 as could Bullard. With a starting line-up of Mo, Kenny, Marc Jackson(hopefully), Cat, and Franchise and Eddie as your 6th man, the Rockets would have their best running team possible out there. Rudy T and CD: just give Kenny a chance.
As much as I like KT's game, I'd like to see him be traded in a deal to land the Rockets a 5. This would also allow Griffin to take over the backup 4 role since HE IS NOT A 3.
I don't think KThomas has so much value to bring in a 5, a real 5 that will do damage. Who were you thinking of? Im with MRamirez on this one. Kenny did a more than admirable job when he was given the starting role. He has a sweet medium range jumper, can bang and pull the boards, and he can pop the 3 sometimes.
Ted: Good points. Kenny has always been someone who's played hard and given his all. I remember when he was at New Mexico, he was like a legend in the WAC, although I think New Mexico is now in the Mountain West. I also remember whether it was last season or the season before, he had 22 rebounds in a game. Laugh if you want to, but a lot of his game reminds me of Charles Barkley except that Kenny is not 300 lbs. BTW -- Does anyone know how Kenny is doing after getting bit in the face by Jim Boylen's dog?
I like KT alot. He provides better defense and rebounding than Mo. He is one of the best backup 4's. Kubli- I have heard you state several time you would like to trade KT for a 5. When you find someone that will trade a servicable 5 for KT, let the world know.
With KT at the 5, we'd never win an opening tip. Could Eddie G do the jumpball, and then move back to the 3 spot?
Kenny is a good, cheap player to have as a backup 4, but with a higher potential player in Griffin waiting in the wings, I'd rather use the above mentioned value in trade especially now that we have the trade exception from Toronto.
That would be awesome, he's so quick and powerful and a good offense and defensive player. I think he will do really well in the future. Maybe an 18 pt 10 rb. player in the future.
Kt is good, nice effort, solid post up moves, Tries hard on D. But he still does not have the skill of Mo t. I like KT more but MO is better
If KT started, he'd be a 13.5 and 8 kinda guy. Not bad. Even better to have off the bench. I'd like to see him eventually backing up EG @ the 4, with some minutes at the 3. Alas, he will either end up playing spot 5 minutes or as trade fodder. He's really to good for such a fate. I want to keep him. Too much talent to trade away.
KT is the man . Ok he too short but he is relentless rebounder that bring energy off the bench.Ok we got griffin which is a great move that I believe was not possible.Any way you need to be two deep at every position and have a couple of player ready to do the dirty work like uh Shandon uhIplaygooddefenseandsleeponoffense
Good to see KT getting some respect. Most people on the board seem to treat him almost like a shrub who should be discarded. I forsee the following lineup getting a lot of time and being effective. KT, Eddie, Mo T at center and of course Steve and Cuttino. Enough rebounding and a great running team. Both Mo and KT can box out the centers and Eddie can go for the blocks when they try to shoot over them. Incredible, a front line in which all three players are capable of playing all three positions, though none of them are the ideal five. Of course if we get Mark Jackson he will play the center at the start of the game, but look for the above lineup if we want to get running or get the scoring punch to get back in a game.
I don't understand this quote. I wasn't saying Kenny should be starting over Mo..I was saying he should be starting at the 3 spot. In my scenario, Kenny and Mo would be starting with KT at the 3 and Mo at the 4. Francis3422: who would you have starting next to Mo in the 3 spot?
I like KT a lot. I could see him at the 3 spot, but he would really have to improve his 3-point shooting. The good news is that he does have somewhat of a 3-pointer, but not enough to be a solid 3... yet. The only worry I have about this, is I like the way he is working and improving at the 4 spot. The guy works really hard, and just needs more playing time to improve. Maybe if he played some 3, and the rockets worked on some sets where they still posted him up.
Kenny has a good perimeter jumper and can give as the boost in the offense and defensive board. The guy is a hard worker and I think Rockets have their money's worth on Kenny. He is a good back up at four and a good hustler too.
Franchise, Other than Bullard and Mario Elie, who for the Rockets had played the 3 spot that can spot the 3 pointer consistently? Sure you can say Mobley and SA, but the 3 is not there normal position. The fact that KT can not hit the 3 consistently should not be a liability for him not starting. He brings other aspects mentioned to the game that were mentioned by other members on this board.
Everyone is sayin that KT should get minutes at the 3. You have to remember that in order to play the 3 well, you have to have pretty good handles and while KT might be better than the average 4, he cant take to many 3's off the dribble.
I am not wanting to debate the validity of Kenny at the three. I think Kenny can play the 3 against SOME teams (meaning I don't want to see him gaurding Vince or T Mac when they get time at the 3). Reading this thread, I think that everyone has gotten too caught up in slating every player. Yes, we do need to establish a starting 3, but why do we have to say, "this guy is the back up here, and this guy is the back up here."?? I think how we should think of it (and how coaches think of it) devides players up in 3 categories: 1) point guards: it takes someone special to play this position. Must have the right demeanor. Usually a point can play shooting guard (I know Stevie plays some 2 guard) but you don't normally see a regular two stepping in to play the point. 2) swingmen: basically, the 2's and 3's that are interchangable. Bullard is a 3 but can play the two, SA is a 2 but can play the three, Mobley is a 2 but can play 3 in a 3 guard attack, Langhi, etc. 3) Forwards/Centers: forwards that can play the 3,4, & 5 and true centers. Perfect examples are KT, Griffin, and MoT. Each has some qualities of all three and should see time at all three. Mo could play 5 offensively when we go small, be a legit 4, or a big outside (not 3 pt.) shooter at the 3. With certain variations, the same is true for those other two (I see Griffin as a defensive 4 AND 5 with offense more geared to 3 AND 4). What I'm saying is, rather than slate these guys in certain positions, let's get the starters straight and rotate these guys into these 3 categories when the situation calls for it. Rudy is smart enough to make those kinds of choices... I'll leave it up to him.
