Against the Magic in 30 minutes he had 16 pts, 11 rb's and 7 assists. Commentary I heard on the radio recently they talked up the fact that KT is a better team player than shown either in college or with the Rockets/76ers due to having been teamed with weak PG's. Now that he is with Bibby - he is showing up big time - right person at the right place? Well it would be nice to have him right now. But we have um what's his name instead. No, he signed with the Grizzlies; uh we have uh, nothing.... Seems clearer even than it was to some of us several years ago why the KT's and the EG's grew frustrated standing around waiting for a pass that never came. Apparently he had some of the same problems in Philly that CWebb is having now. Maybe VanGundy has a clear vision and just needed the right players with right attitude and some court IQ. Would KT be one of those?
Kenny Thomas had plenty of productive nights with us. 2001 with the Rockets still stands as his career year (14 ppg). Also, KT and EG never showed themselves as guys that could be go-to guys, or third options. Kenny came closest, but he also tended to be a black hole. I always liked him a lot, and think he has the potential to really thrive as a role player. The Kings system should really benefit him. Evan
The thing with Kenny was that I was never satisfied that he would work as a starter and/or should be paid like a starter. Added to that, I could never see him being content coming off the bench. (It may be different now) He could really help the current team though, and would be a great backup PF longterm. However, he also makes more than a backup PF should (but so does practically every big man these days). If we can't secure any better options over the summer, I would definitely float Spoon and maybe a couple second-rounders for KT.
It is dangerous to jump to conclusions too early. When cat went to Kings, many people talk about how well he passed and fitted in King's system from the first few games, it turns out that cat is basically that old cat imo.
KT was just as good with the Rockets as anything he's shown so far with the Kings. In his last year with us, he was our best power forward. I think that was obvious to management. But, Griffin had the potential to be great and was locked in a rookie contract for awhile, and MoT was already making too much money to be traded. They weren't going to have the money to re-sign KT. It was just bad timing for him and the Rockets.
The Kings system has a way of making above average post players play well. It's been a while since they've had a frontcourt player who hasn't gotten the most out of their talent. Anybody ever hear of Scot Pollard anymore?
So again it could be the case of the right man in the right system. And with good point guards maybe he works as our 6/7th man? Something to watch the rest of the season. And I wish him well - it would be great for him if he does well and people there think he is earning his paycheck.
