The Case of Jason Thompson

[Showtime]

The Case of Jason Thompson:

I have read numerous reports about Jason Thompson being on the trade block or a trade not going through because Jason Thompson could not be placed on a team... I understand he makes a lot of money, but I don't feel his salary is that outlandish. So what's the deal?
I watch a lot of Kings basketball and here is my assessment of Jason Thompson:
+ Pretty decent defender
- Picks up quick fouls
+Blocks shots
- Complains to the refs too much, but rarely picks up technicals for it
+ Rebounds
-Offensive arsenal not fantastic (but not horrible, and does he need to have those weapons with Gay/Cousins/Thomas?)
+Does not require a lot of touches to be effective
-Not always the best decision maker, but better than some of the other guys
+Has been a difference maker on a lot of plays either with screens, passes or defense
+Dirty work/hustler type of guy like Rick Mahorn or Charles Oakley...

So why is he on the outs? He has outplayed just about everyone they have brought in to replace him; he seems like a better player than Carl Landry... or am I wrong?

What am I not seeing? What am I missing?

He just doesn't fit. He's a very clumsy player. He often does not control his body that well, and makes poor decisions leading to poor shots, offensive fouls, and just plain stupid defensive fouls. He shouldn't even be compared to Mahorn or Oakley.

Admittedly, he was playing his best basketball at the end of 2011 season when they started playing a 3-man rotation on the frontline with Dalembert, Cousins, and JT. He's shown to be more productive coming off the bench than starting, as I think he tries to do too much and ends up making too many mistakes otherwise. However this season, he's started mostly at PF and is on pace for the most fouls since his rookie season. He only plays 25 minutes a game but gets over 3 fouls a game, making that a per-36 value of 4.5 fouls (4.9 being his rookie year and career worst). He's also scoring at a career-low pace this season as well. With Cousins in so much foul trouble, somebody who is capable offensively should be able to step in on the frontline, right? Nope. All scoring goes through the perimeter with Cousins on the bench because JT nor anybody else on this squad can create a shot inside consistently. I'd rather have Reggie Evans or Acy take his minutes, because they at least can grab more boards and get the ball to people who can score.

Lastly, his contract is the deal-breaker. With the team looking to sign IT, and Cousins's deal coming into play, with the addition of possibly going after another player (or Rudy staying), the salary cap just can't fit a guy who is making that amount because they have guys who can produce comparatively with far less salary.

 

[bajaden]

He just doesn't fit. He's a very clumsy player. He often does not control his body that well, and makes poor decisions leading to poor shots, offensive fouls, and just plain stupid defensive fouls. He shouldn't even be compared to Mahorn or Oakley.

Admittedly, he was playing his best basketball at the end of 2011 season when they started playing a 3-man rotation on the frontline with Dalembert, Cousins, and JT. He's shown to be more productive coming off the bench than starting, as I think he tries to do too much and ends up making too many mistakes otherwise. However this season, he's started mostly at PF and is on pace for the most fouls since his rookie season. He only plays 25 minutes a game but gets over 3 fouls a game, making that a per-36 value of 4.5 fouls (4.9 being his rookie year and career worst). He's also scoring at a career-low pace this season as well. With Cousins in so much foul trouble, somebody who is capable offensively should be able to step in on the frontline, right? Nope. All scoring goes through the perimeter with Cousins on the bench because JT nor anybody else on this squad can create a shot inside consistently. I'd rather have Reggie Evans or Acy take his minutes, because they at least can grab more boards and get the ball to people who can score.

Lastly, his contract is the deal-breaker. With the team looking to sign IT, and Cousins's deal coming into play, with the addition of possibly going after another player (or Rudy staying), the salary cap just can't fit a guy who is making that amount because they have guys who can produce comparatively with far less salary.

His being a clumsy player is just your opinion. While I'll admit that JT isn't the most graceful or fluid player, I wouldn't call him clumsy. You say he makes poor decisions leading to poor shots, yet he has the highest overall shooting percentage on the team. Maybe the rest of the team should start making those same poor decisions. He also turns the ball over less than anyone else in the starting lineup. Defensively, JT has improved quite a bit this season. He's been a good one on one defender away from the basket for some time. His weakness has been in rotations, and in post defense. He has improved in both those areas.. JT is what he is. A good solid off the bench player that can play both center and PF. On a bad team, he's a starter, and he could be a starter on a good team, depending on its makeup, and what his role is. While I don't think JT is the problem with this team, I don't see him as a starter, and I think he'll be gone before next season.

 

[ShastaKingsFan]

He's a solid versatile NBA role player, who will bring value to a new team. He simply needs a fresh start to help spark some renewed enthusiasm

 

[Showtime]

His being a clumsy player is just your opinion.

Which is why I'm stating it on a discussion forum.

You say he makes poor decisions leading to poor shots, yet he has the highest overall shooting percentage on the team.

Its easy to have a high shooting % when one doesn't shoot. He's got the lowest usage% of any starter and interestingly has the second lowest TS% of the starters save Ray. He's always had issues with consistency around the rim, and has frequently missed more easy shots than any other King the past few years. Unless he's dunking it, he's been pretty horrible this season (http://stats.nba.com/playerShotchart.html?PlayerID=201574).

He also turns the ball over less than anyone else in the starting lineup.

For a guy who doesn't get the ball that often anymore, this turnover% is just a hair under what the big 3 are, and they handle it far more and get more defensive attention.

Defensively, JT has improved quite a bit this season. He's been a good one on one defender away from the basket for some time. His weakness has been in rotations, and in post defense. He has improved in both those areas.

He's always been decent, although that's for the kings. He'd probably look a lot worse on a better team.

JT is what he is. A good solid off the bench player that can play both center and PF. On a bad team, he's a starter, and he could be a starter on a good team, depending on its makeup, and what his role is.

But therein lies the problem: his contact doesn't match his value to the team in its current state. With Acy and Evans, his deal makes him a liability with the team rather than an asset.

While I don't think JT is the problem with this team, I don't see him as a starter, and I think he'll be gone before next season.

I hope so.

 

[bajaden]

Which is why I'm stating it on a discussion forum.


Its easy to have a high shooting % when one doesn't shoot. He's got the lowest usage% of any starter and interestingly has the second lowest TS% of the starters save Ray. He's always had issues with consistency around the rim, and has frequently missed more easy shots than any other King the past few years. Unless he's dunking it, he's been pretty horrible this season (http://stats.nba.com/playerShotchart.html?PlayerID=201574).



For a guy who doesn't get the ball that often anymore, this turnover% is just a hair under what the big 3 are, and they handle it far more and get more defensive attention.



He's always been decent, although that's for the kings. He'd probably look a lot worse on a better team.



But therein lies the problem: his contact doesn't match his value to the team in its current state. With Acy and Evans, his deal makes him a liability with the team rather than an asset.


I hope so.

I'm merely giving you facts and your responding with an abstract argument. You say his shooting percentage is high, because he doesn't shoot much. Well its not his fault that he's the 4th or sometimes the 5th option on the team. I can prove what his percentage is, but you can't prove what it would be if he took more shots. The same thing applies to his turnovers. Not saying that your wrong, but that you can't prove it and I can't disprove it, therefore its not relevant. JT has been jerked around more than any player on this team. You have to wonder how his career would have turned out if he had been drafted by the Spurs.

There's not doubt that JT's days with the team are numbered, and he deserves a change of scenery.

 

[dude12]

I'm sure the Kings would love to move JT....not sure there are any takers. I'd rather have a Reggie Evans/Carl Landry platoon next year if we are not able to acquire a better big.

 

[Bricklayer]

I'm sure the Kings would love to move JT....not sure there are any takers. I'd rather have a Reggie Evans/Carl Landry platoon next year if we are not able to acquire a better big.

Yeah, that would be cool. Two aging 6'8" guys. Be especially cool when Cuz for out for a few games. Maybe we could resign Kenny Thomas while we're at it.

 

[dude12]

Yeah, that would be cool. Two aging 6'8" guys. Be especially cool when Cuz for out for a few games. Maybe we could resign Kenny Thomas while we're at it.

You can have JT because the aging guys are still better than JT. Can't wait til he's gone from the roster.

 

[Gilles]

Well, one of these "better" guys was just abused by great offensive PF. Think, putting Carl Landry on the floor would've yielded similar results.

 

[twslam07]

Yeah, that would be cool. Two aging 6'8" guys. Be especially cool when Cuz for out for a few games. Maybe we could resign Kenny Thomas while we're at it.

Agreed. I'm not at all in favor of having small bigs next to Cousins. Right now, Thompson is the best PF on the team and best PF compliment to Cousins. Now that's not to say I think we have found our PF of the future, but with our current roster, Thompson is the best option as Cousins' running mate.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

Yeah, I don't think that there's anyone in Kings Nation who thinks that Jason Thompson is the "solution," not even Jason Thompson. It's just that most reasonable people understand that he is the lesser of three "evils," at the moment. Come Opening Night of the 2014-15 season, he will, most likely, be gone. I will neither be happy nor sad.

 

[pshn80]

Yeah, I don't think that there's anyone in Kings Nation who thinks that Jason Thompson is the "solution," not even Jason Thompson. It's just that most reasonable people understand that he is the lesser of three "evils," at the moment. Come Opening Night of the 2014-15 season, he will, most likely, be gone. I will neither be happy nor sad.

Agree, he is not the "solution" but he is not "the problem" on this team either. He is at least the fourth best player amongst our starters. Hopes for our SG have kept Ben in the starting lineup where he is sadly misplaced. Once you have solved that problem then come back to me and talk about JT. If he is gone after this season as many of you predict I will miss him. If we found a PF shot blocker and he was a better all around player than JT then I would advocate keeping JT as our third big or even our fourth big.

 

[Padrino]

Yeah, I don't think that there's anyone in Kings Nation who thinks that Jason Thompson is the "solution," not even Jason Thompson. It's just that most reasonable people understand that he is the lesser of three "evils," at the moment. Come Opening Night of the 2014-15 season, he will, most likely, be gone. I will neither be happy nor sad.

my emotional reaction to jason thompson's likely exit from the team will be entirely dependent upon who they replace him with. if the kings' acquire a serviceable, defensive-oriented, starting-caliber PF, then i can't say i'll be terribly sad to see JT go. if, instead, the idea is to move forward with our stubby corps of landry/evans/acy, then i'll be none too pleased...

 

[dude12]

Well, one of these "better" guys was just abused by great offensive PF. Think, putting Carl Landry on the floor would've yielded similar results.

JT has been underwhelming for forever. I'd rather see a healthy Landry in than JT. If they can address the psition in the offseason, then great. If not, please trade JT.

 

[pshn80]

JT has been underwhelming for forever. I'd rather see a healthy Landry in than JT. If they can address the psition in the offseason, then great. If not, please trade JT.

So you'd like to see one more gunner in there competing with Cuz, Gay and IT for shots. Not sure that JT isn't a much better fit in that group.

 

[twslam07]

JT has been underwhelming for forever. I'd rather see a healthy Landry in than JT. If they can address the psition in the offseason, then great. If not, please trade JT.

As "underwhelming" as he may be, he is still the best PF option to play next to Cousins, and I would have said the same thing if we had a pre-injured version of Landry on the roster.

Thompson is one of the few players that "might" have a role on this team in the future. I put "might" in quotations as he isn't a necessity to keep, but he is one of the few who could be a part of a winning team if the rest of the pieces fall into place. Cousins, Thompson, Gay, McLemore, Thomas, and McCallum all fall under that "might" to me (Some more than others obviously e.g. Cousins).

PG - ???/Thomas/McCallum (Some might argue that McCallum could be the starting PG we're looking for, but for me, it's still way too early to tell)
SG - McLemore/???
SF - Gay/???/???
PF - ???/Thompson/???
C - Cousins/???

I don't see a place for anybody else on the team. I'm very confused why some people are focused on getting rid of a player that could potentially fit into a winning team down the road versus the rest of our ill fitting junk.

 

[ShastaKingsFan]

So you'd like to see one more gunner in there competing with Cuz, Gay and IT for shots. Not sure that JT isn't a much better fit in that group.

I'd like to see a guy in there who doesn't complain after every single call that goes against him. We have a couple of those guys and it's nice to see for a change

 

[twslam07]

I'd like to see a guy in there who doesn't complain after every single call that goes against him. We have a couple of those guys and it's nice to see for a change

Oh so your decision is not going off of fit or talent? Gotcha.

 

[ShastaKingsFan]

Oh so your decision is not going off of fit or talent? Gotcha.

It's based on total package,... including where players are, currently, with their mental outlook, demeanor, and attitude.

If the mental piece is missing, no thank you

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

JT has been underwhelming for forever. I'd rather see a healthy Landry in than JT...

You must have forgotten the last time we had a healthy Landry. It wasn't that great.

my emotional reaction to jason thompson's likely exit from the team will be entirely dependent upon who they replace him with. if the kings' acquire a serviceable, defensive-oriented, starting-caliber PF, then i can't say i'll be terribly sad to see JT go. if, instead, the idea is to move forward with our stubby corps of landry/evans/acy, then i'll be none too pleased...

To be fair, I think it'd be a damned shame if Thompson had to be here for all of the dreck (like, almost literally, all of it), only to be traded before we finally got good. But I'm also one of those guys who never likes to see players leave their original team.

 

[twslam07]

It's based on total package,... including where players are, currently, with their mental outlook, demeanor, and attitude.

If the mental piece is missing, no thank you

We're not dealing with an Artest who likes to go up into the stands and fight fans and we're not dealing with an Arenas who likes to carry guns on him. The way a player reacts to calls is hardly an excuse to get rid of him. I can't remember the last time (or anytime for that matter) a player has been shipped away because he complains at calls.

Thompson is a third big. However, on our team, he is the 2nd best big. There's no reason to get rid of a player who would probably be one of the best third bigs in the league because you don't have that 2nd big caliber player on the team just yet. If you have to give up Thompson to get that starting big next to Cousins, you do it, but you don't just get rid of Thompson because of how he reacts to calls. That's asinine.

Gibson, Hickson, Asik, Scola, J. Hill, Koufos, and Henson are probably some of the best third bigs in the league right now. However, I don't think it will be long before Henson establishes himself as a starting caliber PF. Chicago has talked about amnestying Boozer and going forward with Gibson as their PF of the future. Asik is a starting caliber center who just so happens to be stuck behind one of the best centers in the league. After taking that into consideration, Thompson would be among some of the best third bigs in the league. Having a bench that starts with Thomas and Thompson is very strong.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

A bench with Thomas, Thompson and Williams as your six, seven and eight men, stronger yet. But, by all means, let's capsize any possibility of that happening, so that we can give more time to Carl F. Landry.

 

[ShastaKingsFan]

I get the impression that he needs a fresh start and also probably wants a new start. I think it would be healthy for all involved, if a reasonable deal is made

 

[twslam07]

A bench with Thomas, Thompson and Williams as your six, seven and eight men, stronger yet. But, by all means, let's capsize any possibility of that happening, so that we can give more time to Carl F. Landry.

Haha exactly!

I didn't include Williams in my list of players that "might" fit with this team down the road though. I only see him being successful as a SF. Unfortunately for him, we have Gay who probably should be getting close to 35 MPG. Williams can swing up to play PF for a little, but I absolutely hate smallball. That's why I decided to leave him out of my "future" team. I would rather have an eighth man who could swing between SG and SF (rather than SF and PF). Players like Dudley, Sefolosha, C. Brewer, or Pondexter are who I would like to see in that role. These players might cost too much to be eighth men, but you get the idea when it comes to versatility.

 

[bajaden]

Yeah, that would be cool. Two aging 6'8" guys. Be especially cool when Cuz for out for a few games. Maybe we could resign Kenny Thomas while we're at it.

Quit pointing out the obvious and popping peoples balloons.

 

[bajaden]

Yeah, I don't think that there's anyone in Kings Nation who thinks that Jason Thompson is the "solution," not even Jason Thompson. It's just that most reasonable people understand that he is the lesser of three "evils," at the moment. Come Opening Night of the 2014-15 season, he will, most likely, be gone. I will neither be happy nor sad.

I suspect that the happiest person will be JT!

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

He could hardly be blamed, if that turns out to be the case.

 

[Entity]

Yeah, I don't think that there's anyone in Kings Nation who thinks that Jason Thompson is the "solution," not even Jason Thompson. It's just that most reasonable people understand that he is the lesser of three "evils," at the moment. Come Opening Night of the 2014-15 season, he will, most likely, be gone. I will neither be happy nor sad.

Nooooooooooo he will not be gone. I will not let that happen

 

[dude12]

A bench with Thomas, Thompson and Williams as your six, seven and eight men, stronger yet. But, by all means, let's capsize any possibility of that happening, so that we can give more time to Carl F. Landry.

Haha....your love for JT goes deep. I get you don't like Landry, that's fine. I don't get the amount of love you have for the guy. He does nothing well. I don't get it. He's very average in just about every area. Average defense, not much post game, terrible hands, I do like his elbow jumper. This is the guy you go to bat for every time someone rips on him.

 

[twslam07]

Haha....your love for JT goes deep. I get you don't like Landry, that's fine. I don't get the amount of love you have for the guy. He does nothing well. I don't get it. He's very average in just about every area. Average defense, not much post game, terrible hands, I do like his elbow jumper. This is the guy you go to bat for every time someone rips on him.

I don't know why you are resorting to "his love for JT." We know he is not a special player, but not every player on a team is special or needs to be special. We see the value in him because of:

1. His size. He is a legitimately sized PF (6'10"-6'11" and 250 lbs), and on top of that, he moves very well for his size.
2. His rebounding. Thompson is a solid rebounder. His per36 career average is 9.3, and it's been above 9 RPG every year except for one.
3. His jumpshooting. Thompson can easily knock down 15-18 foot jumpers when he is left open. That helps a lot with floor spacing especially when you have a dominant low post scoring presence like Cousins
4. His post defense. Thompson has done very well defending the post this season. He's taken a lot of pressure off of Cousins this year considering he can guard PFs and Cs. So while Thompson is racking up the fouls, we're keeping our franchise center out of foul trouble.
5. His hustle. He is a very hard worker on the floor. He will make mistakes every now and then, but you can never point to a lack of hustle being the reason.
6. His roleplayer mentality. He knows his job. He knows his limitations. Rarely do you see him try to do something he is not capable of. He plays within himself and knows how to defer to the "stars." You need that in your roleplayers.
7. His complementary skills to Cousins. There is not one thing in my list that we don't want to see next to Cousins. There are a few things I would need to add to the list that are pretty important to being a good compliment to Cousins, but he's an adequate complement at this point in time.

Having said all that, I see him as an elite third big in this league, and when I say elite, I mean top 5. Having a rotation of Cousins, Vonleh, and Thompson would be a very solid big man rotation. Vonleh is that athletic shotblocker we've been searching for to play next to Cousins, but he's also got the other complimentary skills as well (Size, rebounding, jumpshooting, post defense, etc.). This would allow us to push Thompson to the bench which would be the ideal spot for him.