What exactly has he provided this year? He shoots about 20% on layups, he can't shoot outside like he used to. He doesn't feel like passing the ball, and his defense consists of stealing the ball, or getting dunked on. Why is he stealing minutes from Eddie? I would trade KY Jelly in a heartbeat for a late #1 or a 2nd round pick. Next year, Mo will be back and KY will be expendable. And NO, he is not a SF. He is every bit a small forward as Moochie is a SF. I used to be a big KY fan in his rookie year, and last year, but I am tired of him blowing layup after layup as well as playing no defense at all. I know he's "Rudy's" type of player, who can create a mismatch once in a while, but he is more of a liability than an asset. Guys like this should be coming off the bench.
I don't think there's anyway a team trades a mid 1st rounder for a backup PF. I know he starts for us, but he is probably a bench player on 25 of 29 NBA teams. With that being said, I ask you, would you want the Rockets to trade a mid 1st rounder for Malik Rose? Probably not, and Rose is better than KT.
Just trying to get more money on the open market when he is traded. Plus he just got back from an injury and he's been a little rusty.
Huh? He doesn't get more money on the open markey when he is traded... Unless he does a sign and trade after the 2003 or 2004 season. Backup players like KT won't command enough $ to make a S&T happen. He will end up getting like 1-2 mill per year from whatever team he is on. Also, how does it help the Rockets by having a guy who is concerned about trying to inflate his numbers?
I agree that KT is not the answer at PF. He should be coming off the bench at best for this team with EG starting. If KT can't deal with coming off the bench, then c-ya later Kenny. Let me also add that I used to like KT as well, but with his selfish streak lately, he has really turned me off. He's not thinking of the team, he's thinking of himself. I really believe he is hurting the Rockets with his selfish attitude and he's b****ed to Rudy so much about losing his starting spot that Rudy's afraid to start EG over him. I believe the sooner the Rockets get rid of KT, the better because it's obvious that he is looking out for himself and not the Rocket's best interest.
I like KT as a backup undersized PF only. He brings a lot of energy, is a good rebounder and decent defender. We've invested a couple of years in him so would keep him as backup if $$ are reasonable. That being said, RT needs to get in his face and tell him that he actually has 4 teammates to pass the ball to. He is not obligated to hold the ball for 10 seconds, and then find a way to shoot the ball as the clock runs down. Our offense comes to a standstill when he gets the ball....his teammates might as well go rest on the bench while he figures out which shot to take. Right now he is too selfish for the team's good, and that's gotta change.
How in the world is KT a good defender? KT can make defensive plays, but that does not mean he is a good defender. He gets lit up every night, undersized or not. I could care less if KT gets 1 block and 2 steals a game, if he's giving up 30 pts a night.
I said he was a DECENT defender, not a good defender; there's a difference. At times he's done pretty well against stronger, bigger players, but on balance he is no better than average. D R
In his defense, Kenny has gotten better every year. I think he really could find a solid niche in this league as a backup mismatch-creating type of guy if he gets some tutoring on the jumper.
Just watch KT next time he takes an outside shot (and we all know that will be the next time he touches the ball) he shoots with a hitch in his shot and it BRICKS....when he shoots smooth, he makes it 9 out of 10. RT please do some coaching start EG and tell KT to shoot consistantly when he comes off the bench!! And tell Franchise to take more shots!!
Really, I don't have that big a problem with him. He's effective, but he's a Malik Rose type of player, a career sub. You can get paid well and make a good career out of it, but it isn't helping the team or Griffin any.
As much as I love Eddie Griffin, KT is the only one on this team that has an inside game on offense. Eddie is still developing his inside game and will not happen overnight. I dont think keeping KT around is a waste of time because we sure can get something for him once Eddie's inside game is polished.
Kenny Thomas has no business starting in the NBA. Sure he has had some good games, but he is too fat to be a SF and too short to be a PF. Until EG matures, Kenny is just a temporary solution to a permanent problem for the Rockets.
Having never SEEN KT play the game, only listening in on live net-radio casts, i don't think i can say if this is the case or not. He seems to pull his weight, and he gets a nice stat line. I haven't seen if this has been done at other player's expense (as everyone is saying). However it was extremely frustrating HEARING the commentators say on almosts every Indiana play "O'neal backs it in, turn-around/fade-away/layup/hook/dunk...scores 2 points"
