Kenny Thomas is not garbage. He has good footwork, quick leaping ability and more range than most people at his position. Everyone loved Othello but KT has already a level of play that represented O's ceiling. He's a young player give him time. p.s He did not step on Mo's finger either. ------------------ "Isn't the purpose of the game to put the ball in the basket?"
He is a small power forward, his shot is not good, he jacks alot of 3s. We need a defensive big power forward as the backup not a small , fat power forward. ------------------ "You look a team that's been to the mountaintop like the Houston Rockets, I'm going to put pressure on myself to be the best possible player that I can be. With the pieces they already have in place and myself, we can do some amazing things next season." Maurice Taylor
He doesnt have prototypical size for a PF. I guarantee you that if he was 6-11 235 he would be hailed as the greatest find since... well Mobley. ------------------ Starting at shortstop, for the Houston Astros, Nomar Garciaparra. or Starting at First Base, for the Boston Red Sox, Jeff Bagwell!!!
KT is already far more effective than people on this board give him credit for. And his potential is far greater than most 2nd year PF's. He does have very good footwork, quickness, tenacity on the boards, and overall instincts. If he was 6'11'', he probably wouldn't be nearly as quick. Although his shooting percentage doesn't infer that he's a good shooter, he does make big shots from the perimeter (sort of like Horry used to) and that's what wins games. I actually think KT is a better fit for this team than the 6'11'' prototype many here propose. With Cato at center, I'd rather have a fluid, offensively skilled PF who can be used as a post-up option. The only instance I'd consider dumping KT in is if he consistently got beat on the boards - and he's active enough that I don't see that happening. ------------------
Yeah, KT is probably the best rebounder on the rockets team. I think a lot of people dislike him becaue he is short - it's kind of a frustration that he's got some skills, but with his height he's always going to be giving something away. But as an enregetic bench player is a great role for KT. If his shot isn't falling, then it's no big deal and we can throw Rogers or Bullard out there instead! ------------------
...at least he's ten times better than Jason collier. ------------------ when will it start to almost break you?
Prediction: By the end of the season, harsh words will turn to praise for Kenny Thomas and Kelvin Cato ------------------
I agree that KT has great deal of potential, but he is definetely going to have to show hustle out there, because I have a feeling that Los is going to outperform him on a minute by minute basis, because Rogers seems to have much more drive. But like I say, if KT could just light a fire under his a**, then he certainly could develop into a great backup for Mo. ------------------ "Nothing is certain but the unforseen." Some Dude [This message has been edited by RunninRaven (edited October 18, 2000).]
Didn't we have a PF that was too short, fat, & undisciplined before? What was his name....? Oh Yeah, BARKLEY. It's not the size of the man, but the size of his heart & desire. KT is going to be just fine. As far as I'm concerned, if all he ever did was go after rebounds, that would be enough. Let the guards & SF do all the scoring. ------------------
I don't know what everyone is expecting of KT this second year but ...... His Weight:I do not know what his weight is this year (real weight, not game program listing of 260Lbs) but I swear he is slimmer than last year. Hell, he even looks taller than his listed 6'8" a lot of the time. But it is conceivable for players to play the PF position with success at those dimensions. Irregardless, he uses his weight well. He is not easy for comparable weighted opponents to move around. And, what he may lack in overall weight, he makes up for (in most matchups) with excellent footwork. His Footwork: He has nimble feet. If you watched him live on the court you'd notice he hardly makes a sound when his feet hit the floor. He is well-balanced. His feet spacing is wide under the net. This is absolutely essenrtial to push the big guys and not have them push you. Watch next game. When he is playing with good rebounders and a big opponent he will space his feet wider apart. (This of course takes away height too, so he only does this when he has good rebounders in there with him). But his positioning is impeccable. If Maurice and to a lesser degree Cato, can learn positioning from this "second year" guy they would move there game up enormously. His Shooting:He shoots reasonably well. The knock on his treys is closer to an urban rumor than anything else. Last year he was told to take whatever the opponent gave him. Because of our lineup and his relative inexperience he ended up taking more three than was necessary maybe. This year? His Demeanor: Same knock on Dickerson. He is somber looking at times. But that does not make him somber, nor does it make him uninterested. Question: For all the complaints that Dickerson took for this same characteristic, would you like to have Dickerson on board right now? Overall Ability: If this game has taught us anything, it is that physical limitations (height, weight) may affect some players performance. But equally obvious is that those who compensate (Barkley, Boques, Cousy )for any shortfalls make a formidable foe and usually an unexpected opponent. Personally I do not care what we think or post here, as long as the rest of league don't catch on. I hope they don't find out: They better play him a little closer because he can pass out of a hurricane eye, that they better not underestimate his footwork or he is around and in on you before you can say "David Stern", and if they want to push him around, they better get ready to push a little harder and a little more accurately than some of those big neanderthals out there. Kenny, starting his second year, can burn you and make you look silly.
ricky, good point about KT's footwork. For his size, he is a good post up guy. He also has one thing that the Rockets of the chapionship years had...heart. Opie made some other good points, especially about his demeanor. A few weeks ago I started a thread about his perceived attitude at camp and assumed he wasn't happy about Mo' coming on board and taking his minutes, but I'm starting to think that it will push KT to become and even better player. If his games keeps progressing we'll have to start calling him Kenny "Killing 'em Softly" Thomas! As for his shooting, I often cringe when he jacks up a three, but I can live with one or two a game, unless he's on fire like early last year, then he can jack up as many as he wants! I know we can all live with a 60% 3 point shooting PF! Really though, like Opie said, if the defense gives him from 15-22 ft, let him shoot it. More often than not, he'll make the defense respect him and open up the lanes for KT to pass to an open teammate. ------------------ Too often, we lose sight of life's simple pleasures. Remember, when someone annoys you it takes 42 muscles in your face to frown, but it only takes 4 muscles to extend your arm and pimp-slap the mother****** upside the head!
Now this is an enjoyable thread to read. Positive insight with some constructive criticism injected. Not all the bashing, just for the sake of bashing, that's been going on lately. The more threads like this, the more I learn about the game. Thanks a lot. ------------------
" ... he wasn't happy about Mo' coming on board and taking his minutes ..." No kidding. He knew they were looking at PF's all over the draft and the league. From what I have heard he expected to have some minutes cut, and planned on spending this year working on his game and finding new ways to be effective. But he was led to believe he would get quality minutes (with the premiere talent) and quality touches (specific plays for him). But all the attention that came when we signed MoTay (a guy who is a far better talent than what anyone expected the Rox to land) also took far more away from KT's game than he expected. You have to remember a couple of things: 1. Every game has a plan depending on available players on the roster and the opponent you face. 2. The above plan can change depending on a number of circumstances including injuries, individual performances by the roster, and the opponent matchup adjustments. 3. There are only a certain number of touches/opportunities per game. 4. Individual players see there game as a matter of available minutes and possible touches. Every player I have ever known, knows going into the game what his general number of touches or opportunities are going to be, given the roster rotation and the opponent he faces. 5. The talent of the team (the first five to six players in rotation) will have specific plays called for them. everyone else kinda blends and takes the opportunity as it presents itself. In short, KT must have seen not only his minutes and touches, but specific plays involving him, diminish drastically as more and more attention was paid to MoTay. So the fact that he was miffed at MoTay's minutes does not tell the whole story. It isn't personally directed at Maurice. Every player, KT included, finds a niche, a space within the game, and another player, more talented not only took his minutes, he took his spot, his specific PF plays and more importantly reduced him back to finding his own opportunities. Again. Nothing personal. Understandable. But still it has got to hurt a young pro mind. (PS: I think he played the other night like a mature team player. He found his opportunities. Covered his position. helped the team enormously. RT loved it.) [This message has been edited by oeilpere (edited October 18, 2000).]
For those of us who have liked KT for a year and a half now, it's sure is gratifying to have a thread where nobody bashes him (well, Francis3 doesn't count ). His size is my only real concern. I'll argue that he'll be able to succeed in the NBA despite it, but still... if he wasn't 6'7-6'8, he might be dominating. As for his shot... I'd actually say he shoots quite well. He does take shots that are the extreme end of his range a little too frequently, but he has a soft touch, and can hit mid-range jumpers... which will be quite an asset for us this year, especially when opponents collapse the lane to stop the guards. As Popeye noted, his footwork and passing are close to phenomenal for a 2nd year PF. Now here's a question: KT was picked in the mid 20's in the 99 draft... Collier was #16. Which would you rather have? ------------------ Shandon Anderson rocks. The lottery sucks. Playoffs 2001. [This message has been edited by haven (edited October 18, 2000).]
KT without question. For the simple fact that up to now, Collier has showed me nothing. But I trust CD and company. They saw something in there. He was rated higher by national scouts (Pro Rating*) than a lot of highly heralded players. More importantly, irregardless of his draft position, CD,etc are not a wasteful bunch. *http://cbs.sportsline.com/u/ce/feature/0,1518,1474093_54,00.html [This message has been edited by oeilpere (edited October 18, 2000).]
I never try to bash anybody, rather I try to speak relatively. Sure, KT has relatively good footwork and rebounding for his size. And yes, he brings a lot of energy and charisma into the game. But, NO, his shot and range are not good. And, NO, he does not deserve to be a starter. I like KT and I want him on this team, but definitely NOT as a starter and definitely not with many quality minutes. If KT gets about 15 to 18 minutes or so a game, that is mroe than fine with me, assuming MO Taylor can play healthy all season. Also, it is important to remember chemistry, something Rudy obviously never forgets. How well does KT play with the other guys, i.e. Francis, Mobley, and Anderson. Honestly, Id rather have Taylor,Cato,Los out there with Francis or Mobley, but I think KT makes a good fit playing with Anderson. And this is just my opinion, and Im not trying to be hatin or anything like that, but KT does not have the same potential Othella Harrington did. He just had a whole lot more PT than the big O ever had. Right now Id do a straight up trade KT for Othella in no time at all. ------------------ Remember.... You are not really drunk until you must hold on to the grass to keep from falling off the earth.
I got as much love for KT as I do for Cat. They are the super subs peices of a championship contender puzzle that is not yet complete. Like Cat also, hes more effecient coming off the bench. But I would like to see KT start at SF vs the Bulls Fizer(who he'd spank) and guys like Corlis Williamson. ------------------ I'ma need more than 6 and a half rebounds a game from the PF
