Isiah Thomas is ready to pull Quentin Richardson from the starting lineup tonight against the Bulls, but claims he's doing it more because of Richardson's recent injury - a bruised right thigh suffered in Houston - than his poor numbers.

However, Thomas acknowledged Richardson's disastrous season in his bluntest terms yet. Richardson is shooting an embarrassing 31.5 percent and averaging 6.8 points in 30 minutes.

"He's having a really tough year," Thomas said. "I can't put a finger on it because he has a good work ethic. He works. He practices. He's having a difficult time."

Thomas said Jared Jeffries will start in Richardson's place at small forward. He stopped short of saying Richardson is in danger of losing his job permanently, but will continue to slash his minutes.

"If he's not playing well I can take him out early, which we do," Thomas said. "When you line up, you know he's there. Those are the kind of guys you want. . . . He may not be playing well, but his competitive fire is always there."