If Kings interim coach Kenny Natt goes with his gut tonight, Spencer Hawes won't be in the starting lineup in hopes that the second-year player fares better against opponents' second units.

Hawes' declining production since moving from backup center to starting power forward has forced the issue with Natt, who last week said he planned on sticking with his starting five.

"I'm still contemplating that," Natt said after Saturday's practice. "Spencer's situation – it's just trying times. He's out there with front-line guys. We're confident that Spencer is going to come along and get back into form like he was earlier in the season. What that takes, maybe it's him coming off the bench to get that. We'll make those adjustments."

Since replacing Mikki Moore on Dec. 2 at power forward, Hawes has shot 33.6 percent (40 of 119) from the field, sank 2 of 11 three-point attempts and averaged 9.5 points in 11 games.

While coming off the bench, Hawes shot 50 percent (67 for 134) from the field, sank 7 of 27 three-point attempts and averaged 12.1 points in 13 games.

Only Hawes' rebounding has improved since he became a starter at power forward. He has averaged 7.7 in 29.7 minutes compared to 6.9 rebounds in 26.6 minutes coming off the bench. Those numbers don't include the season's first five games, when Hawes filled in for the suspended Brad Miller.

"I'm comfortable (in a starting role), I'm just not making shots," Hawes said. "I just have to keep shooting. That's the only thing to do. … I've come off the bench, I've started and I've been successful in both places. I don't anticipate any changes, but if it happens, it happens."

Natt said if he makes the move, Moore will return to starting.

Thomas returns – Saturday marked Kenny Thomas' return to practice from a strained left calf, but running the floor with teammates produced more than a hearty sweat.

Thomas was in good spirits after the team's scrimmage, joking that this was his first interview request in a year. The power forward said his positive mood was a result of Natt, with whom he has a solid relationship. The same couldn't be said for fired coach Reggie Theus.

"I really wasn't able to participate (in practice) like that when Reggie was here and then, of course, in the last three weeks I pulled my calf," said Thomas, who has played in two games this season. "So today was the first day I was able to go full speed. It felt good."

Thomas said the coaching change has offered him a clean slate and that he hopes to "start over and look forward to the future." Natt described Thomas as "a very good, if not the best, post defender" the Kings have.

"We go back," Natt said. "Kenny and I have always had our conversations about his struggles, and I've encouraged him during his down time. If he can play and perform, maybe I can put him in the game against some of these All-Star bigs. Hey, I'm not against playing him."

Martin improves – Natt said he was encouraged by Kevin Martin's progress during Saturday's practice, noting the Kings' leading scorer improved by "leaps and bounds" from Thursday's practice. There remains no timetable for Martin's return.

"His bounce looked like it was coming back," Natt said. "He looked quicker to me."

Seeing double – Hawes often has been mistaken for Michael Phelps. Tonight, fans can to see just how close the two are to resembling each other, as the Olympic gold medal winner is expected to attend the Kings-Celtics game.

Call The Bee's Melody Gutierrez, (916) 326-5521. To get breaking news alerts and game scores sent to your phone, text KINGS to 72737.