Kings, Jason Thompson agree on new multi-year contract

[IfAt1st]

OK, I'll be the guy.

I'm happy that JT is back with the team, considering how much better he was last year, his loyalty, good character, and reliability (for the most part) last year.

My concern is that he took 4 years to get to that point, after 4 years of college.
I'm worried that after he got his long-term contract, he'll not try as hard and revert back to his previous playstyle from the first 3 years here. $6 million is an awful lot for a back-up big man, just like $8 million is a lot for a back-up shooter off the bench (MT).

I'm worried the Kings (and KF's) are over-valuing their backup players again.
There's a long history of overpaying guys, who then turn out to be albatrosses when they don't get any better or get worse.
I hope JT doesn't become another one. (I'm not saying he will be, I'm worried he may.)

I don't plan on arguing this point, since I'm just stating my personal concern, and we'll find out next year how it turns out.

 

[Bricklayer]

OK, I'll be the guy.

I'm happy that JT is back with the team, considering how much better he was last year, his loyalty, good character, and reliability (for the most part) last year.

My concern is that he took 4 years to get to that point, after 4 years of college.
I'm worried that after he got his long-term contract, he'll not try as hard and revert back to his previous playstyle from the first 3 years here. $6 million is an awful lot for a back-up big man, just like $8 million is a lot for a back-up shooter off the bench (MT).

I'm worried the Kings (and KF's) are over-valuing their backup players again.
There's a long history of overpaying guys, who then turn out to be albatrosses when they don't get any better or get worse.
I hope JT doesn't become another one. (I'm not saying he will be, I'm worried he may.)

I don't plan on arguing this point, since I'm just stating my personal concern, and we'll find out next year how it turns out.

Indeed, it bothers me that one of our players got better over time too. That is terrible.

Note: he got better at being a rolpelayer. That's ideal. And its not as if he has taken huge strides talentwise. He was a solid big then talentwise, si still the same. jsut now he knows how to play inthe shadows and not rush so much.

And $6mil is NOT a bad deal at all for your 3rd big. Jason's a capable member of that fraternity, and rarely do you see anybody filling that role capably who isn't being paid at least that much. Many of the league's top frontcourts top $30mil in salary amongst their top 3 guys.

P.S. As this summer has shown, Thornton is a straight bargain at $8mil. And also, as much as peeps around here like to accuse him of being a backup, because he is for us, he would start for more than half the teams in the league. He's a good starting SG in a relatively weak SG age. Just has the right mentality to possibly play off the bench as well for a team like us with too many guards.

 

[kingjatt]

not a bad signing at all, JT had a solid year, showed improvement and earned his deal.

I just hope the same roster(+trob) equals different results this time around as some teams who were bottomfeeders with us made big moves whille we stayed put.

 

[ParniValjak]

tweet:

That would be even better for us.

 

[mac]

Not sure why they would look at JT that way. For where he was picked, he's probably where he should be. I mean its always nice to have a player surprise you, and become a star, but thats the exception and not the rule. If you can draft a player in the late lottery or below, and have that player become a solid rotational player and a starter, I think you've had a good pick. Now if JT had been a top 5 pick, the thats a different story. Would you trade JT straight across for Thabeet? I know I wouldn't! And Thabeet was the second pick in the draft.

Well from vague memory it went something along the lines of: we were hoping that Hawes and JT would be our frontcourt of the future, JT came into the league and looked like a very promising player in his first year but hasn't turned out to be anything special. Remember some fans here were even saying that JT could one day be our next Cwebb. But you're right, based on draft position there's no reason to expect that he should become an all star.

 

[Gary]

While JT has been more consistent he's still on for 5 games then off for 5 games. It's quite annoying that he can't put together an entire season of consistency.

 

[vikinginferno]

While JT has been more consistent he's still on for 5 games then off for 5 games. It's quite annoying that he can't put together an entire season of consistency.

He might have been our most consistent player last season. He was consistently solid last season. He wasn't really ever amazing, but he was almost always productive.

 

[mac]

He might have been our most consistent player last season. He was consistently solid last season. He wasn't really ever amazing, but he was almost always productive.

Nope IIRC he started playing well when Smart took over and then fell into a massive slump that he slowly climbed out of when we hired Clifford Ray. Overall he was solid and somewhat consistent but to say he was consistent year round is a stretch if you ask me

 

[Gilles]

Actually he had a string of 5 games with 17.6ppg+13.6rpg+3apg in 34.8mpg.

 

[Gary]

Actually he had a string of 5 games with 17.6ppg+13.6rpg+3apg in 34.8mpg.

Then the 12 games following he put up 8ppg and 7rpg (I wouldn't mind these stats from a bench player but he was starting at the time) with minimal steals per game, blocks per game and assists per game..

BUT THEN the last 5 games he went and put up 15.2ppg 8.2rpg 2.4apg 1.6bpg 1.6spg.

That's what I get worried about with JT. He has a string of great games (like 5 or so) and then has a string of 7-10 subpar games.


EDIT:

The 10 games BEFORE that amazing 5 games JT averaged 6.8ppg 6.2rpg 1.1apg 0.6bpg 0.5spg

So JT had a 10 game span where he averaged crappy numbers, 5 games where he was amazing, 12 games where he went back into a funk, and then 5 games where he played great again..


WHICH JT WILL WE SEE THIS YEAR? Can he play more than 5 games in a row at a high level? Will he continue to have a string of good games followed by an even longer string of bad games?

 

[Gary]

Usually when I think of a consistent player I think of a player that normally averages stats which I know they are capable of, not go way above what they are capable of then way below what I know they are capable of.

A guy like Cousins. He was our most consistent player in my opinion. You will see a rotten egg dropped every few games but for the most part you can take any 10 game span and they would be really close to the previous 10 day span.

That's my idea of consistency.

IMO I think JT is a 13ppg 9rpg guy if he's starting. If he's not in on the offense then I would expect him to grab one more rebound a game and be a 10/10 guy. I would LOVE to see 10 game spans where he is close to those stats. That's what I would call consistent. Not going from 17/13 to 6/6 back up to 18/9 ect ect..

 

[bajaden]

OK, I'll be the guy.

I'm happy that JT is back with the team, considering how much better he was last year, his loyalty, good character, and reliability (for the most part) last year.

My concern is that he took 4 years to get to that point, after 4 years of college.
I'm worried that after he got his long-term contract, he'll not try as hard and revert back to his previous playstyle from the first 3 years here. $6 million is an awful lot for a back-up big man, just like $8 million is a lot for a back-up shooter off the bench (MT).

I'm worried the Kings (and KF's) are over-valuing their backup players again.
There's a long history of overpaying guys, who then turn out to be albatrosses when they don't get any better or get worse.
I hope JT doesn't become another one. (I'm not saying he will be, I'm worried he may.)

I don't plan on arguing this point, since I'm just stating my personal concern, and we'll find out next year how it turns out.

I don't know how much more JT will improve in the future. Even if he doesn't, and stays exactly where he is right now, I'm fine with that. But the one thing you don't have to worry about, is JT not trying hard. He's worked his butt off ever since he's been here. Whatever failures he's had along the way, haven't been for lack of effort. He's never shown up out of shape, and I don't expect him to in the future. As for how long it took him, the typical amount of time is around 3 years for a big. However, JT followed a natural course for a player that grew around 7 or 8 inches in a year and a half late in life. Most scouts will tell you that it takes a player time to adjust to his new body. Thats why a lot of the scouts were amazed at Anthony Davis this year, because he had the same experience, and didn't miss a beat. Which is very unusual.

 

[bajaden]

Well from vague memory it went something along the lines of: we were hoping that Hawes and JT would be our frontcourt of the future, JT came into the league and looked like a very promising player in his first year but hasn't turned out to be anything special. Remember some fans here were even saying that JT could one day be our next Cwebb. But you're right, based on draft position there's no reason to expect that he should become an all star.

Not to argue a point, but more of an observation. I think expectations unfortunately taint some players careers, and its no fault of their own. Harrison Barnes is a prime example. He came out of highschool as the number one player in the country, and then was ranked number one on most draft boards for quite a while. So because he didn't live up to other peoples expectations, he's considered a disappointing player, at least up to now. Had he come out of highschool ranked 20th in the nation, and then gone to St. Johns, everyone's prespective would probably be different, but yet, he'd still be the same player.

Sometimes the biggest obsticle a player faces, is perception.

 

[mac]

Not to argue a point, but more of an observation. I think expectations unfortunately taint some players careers, and its no fault of their own. Harrison Barnes is a prime example. He came out of highschool as the number one player in the country, and then was ranked number one on most draft boards for quite a while. So because he didn't live up to other peoples expectations, he's considered a disappointing player, at least up to now. Had he come out of highschool ranked 20th in the nation, and then gone to St. Johns, everyone's prespective would probably be different, but yet, he'd still be the same player.

Sometimes the biggest obsticle a player faces, is perception.

Yup. Hype and expectation is a double-edged sword. It can belittle a player (like Barnes) or it can end up giving a player far more opportunities than he deserves (like Blake Griffin). At the same time, high expectations can give a player the confidence and drive necessary to become better, but the results are unfavorable for the player when he doesn't manage to meet those expectations.

 

[Entity]

Anyway back to the signing of JT. I love it we continue to bring in these guys Landry hickson Hayes and time after time JT continues to outperform each of them.

 

[Kingster]

Then the 12 games following he put up 8ppg and 7rpg (I wouldn't mind these stats from a bench player but he was starting at the time) with minimal steals per game, blocks per game and assists per game..

BUT THEN the last 5 games he went and put up 15.2ppg 8.2rpg 2.4apg 1.6bpg 1.6spg.

That's what I get worried about with JT. He has a string of great games (like 5 or so) and then has a string of 7-10 subpar games.


EDIT:

The 10 games BEFORE that amazing 5 games JT averaged 6.8ppg 6.2rpg 1.1apg 0.6bpg 0.5spg

So JT had a 10 game span where he averaged crappy numbers, 5 games where he was amazing, 12 games where he went back into a funk, and then 5 games where he played great again..


WHICH JT WILL WE SEE THIS YEAR? Can he play more than 5 games in a row at a high level? Will he continue to have a string of good games followed by an even longer string of bad games?

With respect to Thompson, I don't think you're entirely off base. In watching him, my guess is that the losing seasons have really got to him mentally, and he's had to play some mind games with himself in order to get up for some games. Also, he may have been demoralized by his role changing so often. I'd just like to see the old JT who went all out to get rebounds and just wouldn't be denied. He seems to have gone away from that somewhat and focused more on his post game. He also seems to think he's a lot better at that post game than he really is. It's nice that he has improved that part of his game, but I'd still like his role to be on defense, rebounding, and hitting the open outside shot.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

JT just tweeted a story that said his contract was for 5 years at 34 million. That is .. a lot more than 6million per. Closer to 7. And 5 years? Seems a bit more pricey than we originally thought.

 

[Entity]

Probably starts at 6 and ends around 8

 

[Entity]

And it said UP TO $34 mil. So must be some incentives in place

 

[kingjatt]

JT just tweeted a story that said his contract was for 5 years at 34 million. That is .. a lot more than 6million per. Closer to 7. And 5 years? Seems a bit more pricey than we originally thought.

wow only 2 million less over the life the contract than anderson, perhaps its incentive laced with a team early termination option but jeez thats a hefty price.

 

[Entity]

You guys got to be fn kidding me. 6 mil was a good price. He gets an extra 750k and all of a sudden it's a bad deal??? I'm sorry but this kinda of thinking pisses me off.

 

[bajaden]

You guys got to be fn kidding me. 6 mil was a good price. He gets an extra 750k and all of a sudden it's a bad deal??? I'm sorry but this kinda of thinking pisses me off.

There are people in this world that are always going to look for something negative. I don't envy them going through life with that approach.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

You guys got to be fn kidding me. 6 mil was a good price. He gets an extra 750k and all of a sudden it's a bad deal??? I'm sorry but this kinda of thinking pisses me off.

Well, Jason Jones said a 6million 'average' which meant the deal could have gone from 5-7 million, now it looks like it is going from 6-8 million. it's not just 750K more, its 750K more x 5. That's almost 4 million more. We also didn't know it was for 5 years. And on this team with these dumbass owners, every penny counts.

And I didn't even knock the deal. I just said it was more pricey than we thought. I'm still happy to have him, I just don't know if it is still the 'great' deal I thought we got.

 

[Uncia03]

Well all I know is that Roy Hibbert is going to get a max contract at 4 years/58 million dollars.
The mega-deal the Nets are trying to put together for Dwight Howard would include Brook Lopez being signed to a max deal, then going to Orlando.

I know that both of those guys are Centers, but JT is a PF/Center, and if we can lock him up for 5 years between 6-7 million, I'm perfectly fine with that.

I'd be happier if it were in the 5-6 range, but provided that he can stay healthy and produce as he has the last few years, that's a very good contract for a big, considering the current market. And we should not ever have problems moving that contract if we need to down the line, provided that his health/mentality doesn't change.

 

[Entity]

I still think its a great deal.

 

[DesertFox]

I actually prefer a longer deal, as it ends as he starts to get over the hill. Hopefully, this team will hit its stride in about 3 years, and would be nice to have JT locked in as a 3rd big during that run.

 

[rhythmless]

You guys got to be fn kidding me. 6 mil was a good price. He gets an extra 750k and all of a sudden it's a bad deal??? I'm sorry but this kinda of thinking pisses me off.

It's more than 10% than what was originally reported. That's a pretty significant amount.

The thinking was
4yrs 24 mil not
5yrs 35 mil

At 6 per, everyone agreed it was a good deal. Now it sounds like a so so deal to me, pending specifics. Im not sure why this pisses you off. 10% more salary is a big raise for anyone. If you were a bus owner I'm sure you wouldn't think 10% was insignificant. Now imagine you're at break even point. 10% is important.

Now imagine you're a cheapass with no morals and a penchant for making lots of bad moves. Cuz that's the Maloofs.

 

[bajaden]

I think everyone thought the deal would start at around 6 mil in its first year. I know I did. If you add in the normal yearly raise, it ends up somewhere over 7 mil in its last year. I happen to think thats a good deal. I remember some folks saying they would rather have JT than Anderson or Ilyasova. Well both those guys are up in the 9 mil a year range. But the main thing I don't understand, is that everyone wants to criticize the Kings for not spending any money. Rynthmless just called them cheapass, and yet, when they do spend money, you complain its too much. Make up your freaking minds!

As for the length of the contract, lets wait and see if all five years are guaranteed or not. Their may a team option on the final year.

 

[rhythmless]

I think everyone thought the deal would start at around 6 mil in its first year. I know I did. If you add in the normal yearly raise, it ends up somewhere over 7 mil in its last year. I happen to think thats a good deal. I remember some folks saying they would rather have JT than Anderson or Ilyasova. Well both those guys are up in the 9 mil a year range. But the main thing I don't understand, is that everyone wants to criticize the Kings for not spending any money. Rynthmless just called them cheapass, and yet, when they do spend money, you complain its too much. Make up your freaking minds!

It's not spending their money right. They bid against themselves, pay more than I feel they need to. This hampers their ability to make the right move at an opportune moment. It's like the friend who can't manage his money. He makes an ok amount, but he's always buying random crap or overpriced middling stuff, then wonders why he doesn't have money to get that led tv on a ridiculous sale. It's because he was busy buying 10 dollar popcorn everytime and 5 dollar sodas, or buying parts at the dealership when he could order the same parts online for 30% less.

I'm not against this deal, I just thought it was going to be less. I think it's a fair deal, just not a great deal that was rumored.

 

[kingjatt]

I think everyone thought the deal would start at around 6 mil in its first year. I know I did. If you add in the normal yearly raise, it ends up somewhere over 7 mil in its last year. I happen to think thats a good deal. I remember some folks saying they would rather have JT than Anderson or Ilyasova. Well both those guys are up in the 9 mil a year range. But the main thing I don't understand, is that everyone wants to criticize the Kings for not spending any money. Rynthmless just called them cheapass, and yet, when they do spend money, you complain its too much. Make up your freaking minds!

As for the length of the contract, lets wait and see if all five years are guaranteed or not. Their may a team option on the final year.

we get upset because we know how little they have to spend, we have a few crumbs to spend a year
thankfully now the goofs HAVE to spend due to the new CBA, and we just want it to be allocated very wisely espcially if its for a player who had little to no interest from other teams. we had all of the leverage and no matter how you slice it we overpaid for a 3rd big if it truely is stright up 5/36. a team option or incentives is reasonable.