Jason Thompson: Killer Instinct?

[HighFlyingMonkey]

We're seeing flashes for sure.

In tonight's game, he had a clutch offensive rebound to keep the game just out of hand for Memphis. Also, on the last play with 30 seconds left, it was Thompson who attacked and drew the double team to an open Beno three. Beno missed, but I thought the play reminded me of how Webber used to be able to drive and kick from the PF spot.

Three of the four losses have been blowouts, so not much of a chance to show anything there. The Minny game was close, but Thompson wasn't on the floor on the last possession. But going as far back as the Summer League, where Jason really came through in the clutch, hitting one game winner and one game-clinching tip in.

It's early, but I'm highly optimistic so far.

 

[NME]

He has to get more comfortable and proficient with making the right move at the right time before you can really see evidence of killer instinct, but he has determination for sure. If his game develops the way I'm envisioning, he's going to be a terror from the triple-threat position down the line.

 

[DirtyAcres]

A nice bright spot to help pass the time that is known as this season.

 

[PurpleHaze]

All the early signs are good, er... extremely good. Multiple skills, aggressive, attacking (love all the offensive rebounds), playing too fast at times (I'd much rather have that than plodding, standing around), wants to really learn the NBA game and excel at it. It's great to be a REAL 6'11 and 250 lbs., but even better to have all those varied skills at 21.

 

[Widowmaker2k]

I really like what I see with Thompson. Not only is he extremely quick for a PF, he's bigger than most (hell, he's bigger than half the centers in this league). But...what really impresses me is that he seems to get better every game (albeit this game he seemed out of it). What do I mean by that? Well, in preseason, he had serious trouble hitting that mid-range jumper, which now seems almost automatic for him (which, combined with his quickness, will make him a nightmare to guard). Earlier in the regular season, he was having trouble taking extra dribbles before finishing in post, and tonight he had at least 1 play where he very obviously learned to just take the shot. His attitude towards the game and work ethic, combined with his physical gifts, are extremely impressive. He could turn out to be very, very good.

Overall, his hands are great, is showing signs of great instincts, seems to have an excellent work ethic, and has as many physical tools as any PF in the league. I found it interesting that Thorpe compared him to Al Horford...Thompson might be better on offense than Horford right now, let alone 2 seasons from now. I'm by no means saying that he will be a franchise player, but I'm just excited that the Kings have a future at the power forward position...it has been a long time coming.

 

[Sac.1989]

JT really is where the hope is for this season, if hawes keeps coming along as he is and thompson builds on this early promise we will be looking at a great front court of the future. Interesting quote from hawes in the bee saying they have had great chemistry on court starting from summer league.