Three colors identified three distinct teams at the Kings' first practice Tuesday, with players donning black, red or gray.
The presumed starting five wore black. But the status of players in red and gray was at first unclear, as Spencer Hawes, Quincy Douby and Jason Thompson wore red, and Bobby Jackson, Francisco García and Shelden Williams were in gray.
Coach Reggie Theus cleared up the confusion, saying he expects plenty of competition when it comes to the reserves. The roles, in other words, are undefined.
"I did that because I thought it would be interesting," Theus said. "I tried to put them in a scenario that I thought would be the easiest learning scenario. I think as it goes on, if you look at the lineups it's going to make it very competitive. I think you are going to see the young team, which is pretty much the red team, you are going to see how they work against the other teams."
Role call – Kenny Thomas hunched over in a chair while watching the team practice. It was a familiar scene, as the power forward did not join the Kings in drills, citing a strained lower back.
"I've had it for a couple weeks," Thomas said. "I will be all right in a couple days."
For a player who says he wants to play more this season, it's a frustrating setback.
"Of course I want to be out here," Thomas said. "It's going to take a couple more days. I have to see how I feel."
Thomas said he is unclear if he will be part of the rotation, given that he played in 23 games last season and just four minutes in the final four months.
"I don't even know what my role is going to be," Thomas said. "I didn't play last year and I don't know yet. Reggie, he was here last year, and I really didn't have an opportunity to play for him."
Thomas said there is one positive to having played so little last season.
"That helped me to have an extra year (in my career), because there wasn't a toll on my body," Thomas said.
Theus said he plans to integrate Thomas this season. "Some of what happens is in his hands," he said. "As far as I'm concerned, I want him in the mix."
Slimmed down – Hawes and Brad Miller both entered training camp looking noticeably trimmer. Hawes said he made a conscientious effort to change his eating habits and get in better shape.
"I wanted to transform my body and get more muscle on it," said Hawes, who is in his second season. "I lost around 6 percent of body fat. It feels different. It was like running with a vest on before."
Rookies looking to add muscle may find an extra workout awaiting them.
"Those young guys will learn how to carry bags (for veterans) real quick," Miller said Monday.
Last call – Small forward John Salmons has been limited lately because of a groin injury, although he practiced Tuesday.
Call The Bee's Melody Gutierrez, (916) 326-5521.
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