From Rookie of the Month in April to the unemployment line in December. My how the mighty have fallen.
TKO, as his fans called him, got the knockout punch as the Grizzlies went in search of someone who could provide a more physical presence at the small forward position. With Kinsey's low contract and fan support the move is rather shocking. Rumors of a poor relationship with the coaching staff probably were truer than originally suspected but again let me say they were only rumors and I don't know either way if they were true or not.
Marlon Morgan is reporting that the Grizzlies have another player in mind to replace Kinsey and it is possible that this player will be announced as early as tonight.
Kinsey finishes his career in Memphis averaging 6.9 ppg on 45.3 FG%, 30.2% from the arc, 1.8 rpg, 0.7 apg and 12 games started. He had career highs of 28 points twice, had 5 steals in a game against Phoenix, 7 assists against Minnesota, 8 defensive rebounds in a game once, 9 total rebounds in a game and once took 15 free throws in a game.
Kinsey was a long shot to make the team last season after fracturing his orbital socket in training camp but somehow worked his way onto the team, into the lineup and finally into a starting role in his rookie year.
Chris Vernon is reporting that the Grizzlies will sign Jeremy Richardson to fill Kinsey's roster spot. If true then this may be a good signing. Jeremy Richardson was recently named D-League Performer of the week. At 6-7 195 pounds Richardson is no banger but does provide more size than Kinsey. He has previous NBA experience with Atlanta and Portland.
just have to wait and see. Im not going to pass judgement on that MI is thinking. He has an idea of what his team needs to be and we will have to wait and see what it is. I know alot of people liked TK but let the coach....coach. Im behind the coach 100%. Hope everyone else is.
ReplyDeleteGO GRIZZ!!!
I just have to blindly accept this move. TK was the only unforseen bright spot of last season. He has the drive to be a lasting player in this league.
ReplyDeleteSo we replace a defensive minded 2 for...more...scoring? I don't get it.
I hope you know what you're doing Mr. Iavaroni. Happy trails TK, dont burn us too bad when you come back to town.
I can see it from a business perceptive I guess. It's just the idea of dropping TK who was the better perimeter defender than the other SGs. Just for what? To get more offense in Jeremy Richardson. I don't get this. I know MI says he wants some defense to go with the uptempo offense in his scheme. This move right now says that MI is more offensive oriented than defensive oriented right now. And with the record the Grizzlies have right now. They are on the same pace with last year's record.
ReplyDeleteThis is a bit puzzling.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to see where TK and the coaches could of clashed, because if you read his blog he's a christian and seems so nice (overly nice) and too willing to accept any role given to him.
Good luck to him.
he will be a part of team "fenerbahce istanbul" of turkey. fenerbahce istanbul is a euroleague team and has a great chance to qualify into last sixteen.
ReplyDelete