WTF is up with JT?
- Thread starter Big Cuz 15
- Start date
Since I was among those wanting to dump the old JT, I feel compelled to acknowledge here that the new JT is doing a very nice job on D. Seems like he has channeled all of his considerable energy into his D work, and while he's still capable of making clueless mental mistakes, and contributes virtually nothing offensively, he is a big part of our success this year.
I think JT has always been the same JT. The real difference I've noticed this year is that he's not looking for his shot on offense anymore, and he doesn't complain as much. I think the second one is key. He understands his role on offense now. I think he could give us a good 10pts a game if coach wanted to include him in the offense, but he doesn't. JT has always proven to be a decent scoring option, but this year he hasn't received many plays. Most of the shots he's taken are either bail outs or tip ins.
JT is a beast! He's a really great person if you ever get the chance to meet him too.
JT is a beast! He's a really great person if you ever get the chance to meet him too.
I think at some point JT's offense will come around. He's never been a great midrange shooter but he used to be at least decent from 10-15 feet and this year is shooting 6-7% worse from out there. More concerning is that he's shooting 39% in the paint. For comparison last year he shot 58.5% in the paint.
As the season wears on if Thompson can maintain his defense and rebounding and get back to hitting shots more regularly and converting easy shots inside with more regularity then it opens up the high low game with Cousins or Gay or gives those two an outlet at the top of the key for an open jumper.
Thompson's offensive numbers have been terrible but his overall impact has been bigger than practically any year in his career. If he can give the team a bit more efficiency on offense and a few easy baskets a game it will only make the Kings better.
As the season wears on if Thompson can maintain his defense and rebounding and get back to hitting shots more regularly and converting easy shots inside with more regularity then it opens up the high low game with Cousins or Gay or gives those two an outlet at the top of the key for an open jumper.
Thompson's offensive numbers have been terrible but his overall impact has been bigger than practically any year in his career. If he can give the team a bit more efficiency on offense and a few easy baskets a game it will only make the Kings better.
We really need to change our mindset regarding JT. He is not a power forward in the traditional sense. He is CERTAINLY not a "Stretch 4". He has morphed into a defensive Power Forward who defends the rim, rebounds, and does the dirty work so that Cuz can be freed up to score and do his thing. JT has never been an efficient scorer. He is not very quick, and his offense has always seemed not very smooth. But when he is excepting his role and helping the team win, he is a very integral part of this team. Now that doesn't mean that the Kings don't need a scoring power forward eventually to get to the next level. But as currently constructed, JT has filled a role and he is playing some of his best basketball. Throw out the points scored. Rebounds and the number of buckets whoever he is defending gets are a much better barometer. Another power forward and backup PG and this team is going to be a consistently competitive team. I can see the team making a move at the trade deadline for either another big to help in the front court, or a vet PG to run the second team more consistently.
I've got to hand it to him. Seasons begining I thought he was the weak link. Now I'm becoming a JTeliever (believer). Love how he has embraced his role and playing a essential role on DEF. Sure he could be a better rebounder and shot blocker, but those guys don't grow on trees. We have JT and he is playing solid and seems to be just fine with his role where a lot of guys would not except getting no shots.
His jumper should improve as year goes along too
His jumper should improve as year goes along too
I wonder how JT feels about getting even less shots than last year. Can he live with simply being a very good defender? I hope so. He should be proud of shutting down AD. And, in another 40 something games, he will have the most games as a King than anyone in our Kings' history. Interesting, huh? This is the guy a lot of fans have wanted to unload for years.
JT is a solid role player defending the best Bigs in the League night in night out. AD is having a phenomenal season. JT has had as much or more success in all his match ups with AD as ANY other player.
Before you trade JT you need to have someone who can step into that role. I don't see the Bulls giving up Taj Gibson, so who you gonna get???
Before you trade JT you need to have someone who can step into that role. I don't see the Bulls giving up Taj Gibson, so who you gonna get???
But still he is nearly invisible on offense. If DMC is on the floor, the lack of offense from the PF-Spot doesn't bother the team that much (still it makes double teaming DMC a bit easier). But right now, with our best player in hospital, the lack of offensive firepower from the 4 and 5 positions really causes trouble. JT might be a decent defender, but he isn't the final answer as a starting PF for a Franchise thats wants to get into the playoffs and maybe tries to compete for the great goal in a few years.
I would love some JT+Landry or Evans starting 5 right now.
I would love some JT+Landry or Evans starting 5 right now.
I'm not sure, if I would trade JT, since the chances to get a defensive powerhouse next to DMC are small at best. Gibson or Noel are going nowhere. Best chances would be to try to aquire a stretch-4 kind of PF and use JT in certain matchups or as a backup-Center. McRoberts, Teletovic, Scott, Arthur, Sullinger (won't happen but nice player) - maybe there are chances to get one of these guys to give DMC more room to operate and another option for Gay to kick the Ball out. Otherwise our best bet, would be to try to get some FA like Amir Johnson or Kyle O'Quinn or to hope for some draft luck, if we have a pick.
O'Quinn is not an elite defender, but he can check both bigs' positions, is still young and worked on his game, since coming to the NBA, so there's a good chance, further improvement will follow. Good shooter and passer. Don't know, to what level Magic are committed to him, but given the likelihood of them picking another big in the upcoming draft, O'Quinn might be the best player fit/money available. Wonder, if he's with the same agent as Boogie or Rudy. 
No doubt that JT improved a lot but while he is holding oponnents to 14.2PER he produces a 7.6PER which make his NetPER -6.7 at the PF Position, the PF is packed with talent right now and theres no doubt that JT is a below average starter at the position so don't get carried away.
Btw his PER at center as been worse, according to 82games.com he holds opponnents to a not impressive 18.4PER while producing 0PER himself.
I still think we should keep him as starter because our starting 5 is very good together. we need to get another decent guard and a capable center off the bench which we can probably pick up without a trade or with a trade on D-will ending contract.
Btw his PER at center as been worse, according to 82games.com he holds opponnents to a not impressive 18.4PER while producing 0PER himself.
I still think we should keep him as starter because our starting 5 is very good together. we need to get another decent guard and a capable center off the bench which we can probably pick up without a trade or with a trade on D-will ending contract.
