To Start, or Not To Start...
I think Coach Skiles is reluctant to start Tyrus Thomas because of what he provides off the bench. It's not just a matter of the production, the 23 points and 9 rebounds - he could get that as a starter or as a guy off the bench. But, off the bench, what he brings is a lot of energy. When he comes on the floor, there seems to be a spark there. That's what you're looking for off your bench. You need somebody who provides a spark as well as production. Tyrus, of late, has provided both.
That tremendous dunk he had against New Orleans on March 2nd, really opened everybody's eyes around the country; they were showing it everywhere.
Tyrus is a player who is still learning the ropes. Look at the numbers, good points, good rebounds of late; turnovers are high at times, which leads me to believe he's still learning his way out there.