Jason Thompson (merged)

[Peter_Gibbons]

JT won't get 18 & 10 every game as a rookie, but it means a lot to have a star type game a debut.

Remember many of the greats has very good debuts. Lebron, MJ, Shaq etc. While we can second guess his performance to be a fluke, but it sure as heck beat having a bad debut. Then you really start thinking that we wasted a 1st rd pick.

 

[Sac.1989]

what happened to mikki's mid range shot. Surely he still has it, his contribution to the offence is soley dunks and put backs these days and he doesnt rebound as much as our other forwards. Surely his jumper didnt leave him when he came here.

 

[gunks]

Granted, it's only been one game against a bad team. I watched him make a LOT of rookie mistakes. I don't know if anyone else noticed this, but he dribbles way to much. He needs to learn how to move without the ball, post up, throw the pass out and gain ground in the post for an easy FG. We'll see. I wasn't impressed with him during the pre-season, but you never know. Lebron had a horrible pre-season during his first year, then tore it up during the regular season. Hopefully Thompson will do the same.

True...But Al Jefferson is one of the best rebounders in the league. Kevin Love is probably going to be up there in the rebound department too. So it's nice to see that JT and Hawes can measure up to frontcourt competition on the glass.

 

[Bricklayer]

what happened to mikki's mid range shot. Surely he still has it, his contribution to the offence is soley dunks and put backs these days and he doesnt rebound as much as our other forwards. Surely his jumper didnt leave him when he came here.

?

I think 3 of his 4 baskets were precisely jumpshots in that game. Did have a poor year with the jumper last year, but frankly as always I'd take the dunks/inside stuff first given our team makeup.

 

[Prince_XY]

Thompson scored a lot on hustle points today just by being scrappy and energetic....

I finally was able to watch the game through the NBA League Pass Broadband last night. Thanks to JER's post/thread I could now watch every single Kings game through my computer. They have an archive of games for the past 2 days, so I don't have to worry about missing the live game.

Thompson had an excellent game as a rookie to start his NBA career. I agree he looks very very good playing scrappy and energetic against the timberwolves. His game was similar to Boris Diaw and/or Dennis Rodman. If he continues to improve on defense, he will be a force to recon in the NBA.

I believe the Kings got a very good piece of the puzzle on Jason Thompson. If Miller and Hawes plays center and power forward respectively at the same time, Thompson could very well fill in as a small forward. With these 3 bigs the Kings can match ( with respect to rebounds ) any tall, athletic, and good rebounding team in the NBA in the future.

Who needs David Lee of NY Knicks now?

Now, coach Theus when will our frontline going to learn defense?

 

[CruzDude]

Only problem with those arguments is that Kings are still in preseason, in a way, trying see what will be a rotation. Beno missed last 2 preseason games, Cisco as well and now Brad out of a rotation he has been focus on for number of years. Throw in 4 rookies and Coach has a ways to go to know what he even has.

BJax is a fabulous addition when you understand the dynamics of the current team and the uncertainties of the rookies. Plus his value is on the court, on the bench and in locker room, soft of a pint-size Vlade. Or as Jerry Reynolds used to say when BJax was with us the first time flying high, "The shortest power forward in the league!".

I'm glad we have him. Give it all time. A rebuilding team takes awhile to develop a personality and a rotation.

 

[sactownfan]

Jason Thompson ROY? or Kings MVP?

First off before i get started... Jason Thompson should be starting RIGHT NOW!

ok so... WOW... this kid has been very impressive so far... things have really slowed down for him on offense. Hes looking much more in control and his shot is starting to fall. Then theres the hustle and rebounding. Hes hands down the best rebounder on this team... dunno if everyone saw his dive for a rebound out of bounds and calling timeout before he hit the floor... WOW! cant remember last time i saw someone in a kings uni fly at a ball that quick.

this guy is the real deal he shows up wit his hard hat on everynight, and hes only going to get better as time goes on...

So as far as ROY, I think that when he does begin to start(which should be next game) hes gonna have the mins to be in the running. I think Rose is probably going to win ROY, but Thompson could avg a double double if he can play 30+mins and stay out of foul trouble... I'd say he could avg 12 and 10? Plus who knows? if Rose got injured maybe Thompson could do it.

.... Alright so could he also end up being the Kings MVP this season? Sure K-Mart will score in the high 20's all year and we most definitely need those points. But K-Mart is a terrible defender... What Jason brings is what is going to enable us to win games. Size/speed/athletic/hustle/Rebounding. We're a little slim on players that have all those attributes. K-Mart is the Man theres no arguing that, but if Thompson can continue to build off what hes already doing, and get 30+min. He could be a big part in wins vs loses.

PS. his defense is kinda poor at the moment, that includes the fouls and getting lost, but he does fight hard on that end and im sure it will start to slow down just like his offensive game has. He is avg 1blk a game and has defended very well at times vs other bigs.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/rookies/rankings

 

[HighTopKicks]

There is no way Moore should be the starter. As Jeff Van Gundy said though not specifically about Moore, intangeables are good but I'd rather have a guy with tangeables.

I've said it betore, JT should be starting with Miller. Mister inside and Mister outside. And, the way Shelden plays against the big centers, battling them every minute to keep them off the blocks, he should play along with Hawes. Hawes isn't stong enough and too much of a finesses game, & Shelden can keep him out of foul trouble.

 

[OptimusRhyme]

There is no way Moore should be the starter. As Jeff Van Gundy said though not specifically about Moore, intangeables are good but I'd rather have a guy with tangeables.

I've said it betore, JT should be starting with Miller. Mister inside and Mister outside. And, the way Shelden plays against the big centers, battling them every minute to keep them off the blocks, he should play along with Hawes. Hawes isn't stong enough and too much of a finesses game, & Shelden can keep him out of foul trouble.

I agree Jt With Miller. Shelden has been a surprise this year.. And its good to have a player that can bang and deliver 6 hard fouls. I also liked the Hawes Sheldon combo.

 

[Widowmaker2k]

While I find it unlikely that a small school 12th pick could garner ROY honors (without playing so well that they had no choice but to pick him), I think that, with increased minutes, he could certainly be in the conversation.

Right now, Thompson leads all rookies in efficiency, and is 8th in the league for efficiency per 48. ESPN's David Thorpe ranks Thompson as the third best rookie so far, behind Love and Rose. Let's hope Jason can keep it up.

 

[kgrichwine]

I don't know about starting, but his minutes will definitely grow as he earns them. It takes time to develope a rooky. I say let him come off the bench and get a sense of what he's supposed to do through the first 20 games. If he shows he's progressed to the task, let him take the starting roll.

 

[Arby's Roast Beef]

There are a couple variables not in his favor, including but not limited to the fact that there are bigger-name rooks out there in more high profile teams (Beasley, Rose, Fernandez Oden etc), his foul problems (had five fouls each in the past two games), and he seems to have a tendency to play too fast (improved, but extremely noticeable in the preseason) and that style of play gives him a bigger probability to hit the rookie wall than most. Of course, he has exceptional mobility for his size, hustles extremely well and has shown the ability to rebound well at this level, but I don't think that's enough to garner ROY honors by any stretch of the imagination. He's a guy who may just be slightly outside of the conversation if he can keep up this play, though.

 

[Prince_XY]

When you have veterans who you already know aren't going to improve that much anymore ( and will always be less than starter talents ) and you have some young Kids like Thompson, Hawes, Williams, and Greene who you know have talents and showing they are willing to do what it takes to become great, I'd say it is about time to walk away with the bull**** of developing young players slowly.

It just doesn't make any sense and it just doesn't apply to delay the Kids' development, especially in this team which got less than starter talents on their veterans ( Moore, Salmons, and Garcia )

I'd say let us start Thompson right NOW and give him at least 30 minutes of playing time every game.

If Thompson has some secret aspiration to be ROY, you are killing his hopes by not playing him that much.

 

[chasen4r1]

If Thompson has some secret aspiration to be ROY, you are killing his hopes by not playing him that much.

It's no secret. He stated that as one of his goals (well.. to be in the running at least) in his blog at kings.com.

 

[kennadog]

I will be hard for JT to be in the ROY conversation, because of the team and where he plays. He'll have to be exceptional, just to get noticed.

 

[Prince_XY]

I will be hard for JT to be in the ROY conversation, because of the team and where he plays. He'll have to be exceptional, just to get noticed.

The Kid is already exceptional in his first 2 games.

You can tell this Kid is a hard worker, has a big heart, and has talent to compete in a higher level. A little bit of polishing and he'll be great as a rookie.

If Thompson averaged this season 15 and 10 which is attainable, I think that would be enough to be a serious contender for ROY, especially that Thompson has a high efficiencey type of game.

 

[Fear the Putin]

I will be hard for JT to be in the ROY conversation, because of the team and where he plays. He'll have to be exceptional, just to get noticed.

Kevin Durant was on the Sonics last year yet he got ROY

 

[bajaden]

The Kid is already exceptional in his first 2 games.

You can tell this Kid is a hard worker, has a big heart, and has talent to compete in a higher level. A little bit of polishing and he'll be great as a rookie.

If Thompson averaged this season 15 and 10 which is attainable, I think that would be enough to be a serious contender for ROY, especially that Thompson has a high efficiencey type of game.

I hate to say it, but there is an east coast mentality thats involved. There's also the problem that a lot of fans and writers don't stay up late enough to see some of the west coast teams. Especially the bad ones.

Don't get me wrong, its possible, but you really have to get peoples attention. Beasley and Rose are going to get a lot of press. Plus you have Lopez back there. Possible but very hard..

 

[kennadog]

I hate to say it, but there is an east coast mentality thats involved. There's also the problem that a lot of fans and writers don't stay up late enough to see some of the west coast teams. Especially the bad ones.

Don't get me wrong, its possible, but you really have to get peoples attention. Beasley and Rose are going to get a lot of press. Plus you have Lopez back there. Possible but very hard..

Exactly. Kings players couldn't get much notice/attention even when we were actual contenders. It would tick me off to stay up and watch ESPN hoping to see some highlights of the winningest team in the NBA at the time. The highlights were mostly of dunks by the other (losing) team. And that was if you got to see any highlights at all.

There's a definite east coast bias, Lakers excepted. Plus writers/sports analysts tend to watch the players they hyped in the first place. It's more like they want to validate their original opinions.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

Don't get me wrong, its possible, but you really have to get peoples attention. Beasley and Rose are going to get a lot of press. Plus you have Lopez back there. Possible but very hard..

Don't forget that Greg Oden is technically a rookie this year and is eligible for ROY. As long as he plays, say, 50+ games, he'll be in the running. Love and Mayo and Westbrook should all see a lot of PT this year, too. Could be a real crowded race.

 

[bajaden]

Don't forget that Greg Oden is technically a rookie this year and is eligible for ROY. As long as he plays, say, 50+ games, he'll be in the running. Love and Mayo and Westbrook should all see a lot of PT this year, too. Could be a real crowded race.

Very true, and it only makes it that much harder. Everyone has heard of Oden and Love, and to a certain extent Mayo. Not so much Westbrook and certainly not Thompson. Big uphill battle. But his desire to win the ROY is a plus for us. Whatever movitates a player is fine with me.

 

[sactownfan]

As early as it is I predict that Rose will win it... He plays in the East and is killin it... I was just saying its nice that i think Thompson could place 2nd or 3rd in voting...

Oden is not lookin so great after a year and a week as an NBA baller and might be in trouble health wise forever... he has been seriously injured for the last 2+ years

 

[Löwenherz]

I did not see the game, but the stats of Jason Thompson is a big WOW for a rookie playing less than 30 minutes in his first game.

We now have 3 "bigs" ( Miller, Hawes, and now Thompson ) capable of getting double digit rebounds and hopefully can get us over the hump on the rebounding department problem. I hope Donte Greene ( another 6' 11" ) follow suit ASAP.

I hope coach Theus accelerate the development of our future front court starters.

Suggested Rotation:

#5 Miller 7' 0"( 30 min ) SUBS: Hawes ( 18 )
#4 Hawes 7' 0"( 12 min ) SUBS: Thompson ( 12 min ) Moore ( 12 min ) Williams ( 12 min )
#3 Thompson 6' 11"( 12 min ) or Greene 6' 11" ( 24 min ) SUBS: Garcia ( 12 min )
#2 Martin 6' 7"( 36 min ) SUBS: Garcia ( 12 min )
#1 Udrih 6' 3"( 30 min ) SUBS: ( BBrown 9 min ) ( BJax or Douby 9 min )

IMO, this is the ideal future line-up/starters for the Kings - tall and athletic.

.

This is the lineup I'd like to see too, but it's not likely if we're trying to showcase Salmons and lure trade interest.

And since Miller doesn't appear to have a future with the team beyond next season, the best I can see this is an half-season lineup post trade deadline (assuming Miller doesn't get dealt as well)

 

[Kingster]

The only way he gets the ROY is by putting up 20 and 10 against teams like the NY Knicks with very high media exposure. It's possible, but probably not.

 

[VF21]

Note: We had two threads about Jason Thompson ("Jason Thompson" and "Jason Thompson - ROY or MVP?") that seemed to be getting closer and closer to each other in terms of content and discussion. For that reason, the two threads have been merged.

 

[Eclipse]

Hello, my first post! (so please be gentle)

What do you think of his potential of becoming our next CWebb type dominant player? Like CWebb, he appears to have soft and big hands, can shoot inside/outside, has good court vision, passes well, and emanates a palpable desire to win. I know this is just his rookie year, but can't help pulling out my CWebb measuring stick (yes, they sell this!) whenever I watch him play. Didn't realize I miss Webber this much, but I guess I do.

 

[Sluggah]

Hello, my first post! (so please be gentle)

What do you think of his potential of becoming our next CWebb type dominant player? Like CWebb, he appears to have soft and big hands, can shoot inside/outside, has good court vision, passes well, and emanates a palpable desire to win. I know this is just his rookie year, but can't help pulling out my CWebb measuring stick (yes, they sell this!) whenever I watch him play. Didn't realize I miss Webber this much, but I guess I do.

yes please! i'll take two of these.

 

[Bricklayer]

Hello, my first post! (so please be gentle)

What do you think of his potential of becoming our next CWebb type dominant player? Like CWebb, he appears to have soft and big hands, can shoot inside/outside, has good court vision, passes well, and emanates a palpable desire to win. I know this is just his rookie year, but can't help pulling out my CWebb measuring stick (yes, they sell this!) whenever I watch him play. Didn't realize I miss Webber this much, but I guess I do.

That was what I was saying when we drafted him -- the idea being he could be a poor man's Webb. But..we'll see. He has some of that kind of special skill for abvig guy, but none of the control of the game and presence that Webb had even as a young player. Right now he's busting his behind and has a lot of skills, but you could still never build around him as a franchise type guy because he is just runnign around out there making it up as he goes along. Will know more after he starts to settle into his game.

 

[nbrans]

That was what I was saying when we drafted him -- the idea being he could be a poor man's Webb. But..we'll see. He has some of that kind of special skill for abvig guy, but none of the control of the game and presence that Webb had even as a young player. Right now he's busting his behind and has a lot of skills, but you could still never build around him as a franchise type guy because he is just runnign around out there making it up as he goes along. Will know more after he starts to settle into his game.

The flip-side to the lack of control, though, is that he's also a lot more energetic and quick to the ball on the court than Webber was, even in his young days. Right now that's obviously manifesting itself in some rawness and chicken-without-a-head-ness, but he could also be a less-enormously-talented but more active CWebb. CWebb was a terrific rebounder more because of his once in a generation hands rather than his activity. Thompson could be a guy who plays a bit more all of the court.

There's an extremely slim chance that Thompson will approach CWebb's level simply because of his age, but in the flashes I've seen he's not looking like that bad of an imitation.

 

[Bricklayer]

The flip-side to the lack of control, though, is that he's also a lot more energetic and quick to the ball on the court than Webber was, even in his young days. Right now that's obviously manifesting itself in some rawness and chicken-without-a-head-ness, but he could also be a less-enormously-talented but more active CWebb. CWebb was a terrific rebounder more because of his once in a generation hands rather than his activity. Thompson could be a guy who plays a bit more all of the court.

There's an extremely slim chance that Thompson will approach CWebb's level simply because of his age, but in the flashes I've seen he's not looking like that bad of an imitation.

Yet energetic can actually be a not so great thing when you are trying to build around somebody. Tim Duncan is not energetic, he is deliberate. But because he is, you always know where he is and what he's going to do, and you can build everything around him like a rock. Most of the great franchise players are the same way. The ball stops in their hands they survey the floor, and then they control the game. At this point Thompson has energy, but no presence at all. Its a gigantic gulf, and he's only a couple of years younger than Webb was when he arrived in Sacto. We'll just have to see how, and how quickly, he develops.