Our friend James Ham has a lovely, detailed exposition on Jason Thompson's status with the Kings over at Cowbell Kingdom. As a 2008 first-round pick, Thompson is currently eligible for an early Bird extension that would kick in for the 2012-13 season. The deadline is January 25 (Wednesday). If an agreement isn't reached, Thompson becomes a restricted free agent on July 1. The Kings can offer up to five years, but teams have just one five-year early Bird extension to offer per collective bargaining agreement. Using that on Thompson would prevent the Kings from using it on Tyreke Evans, DeMarcus Cousins, Jimmer Fredette or the No. 1 pick in the 2012 draft. So Thompson isn't getting five years. The extension could be for three or four seasons, and it can include a team or player option.
James broke down Thompson's place in the Kings' future and his performance as a No. 12 pick. My angle is more looking at what will work best for the Kings. How should they approach this decision? These are the questions that inform the answer to that.
Are you looking to trade JT this season? If the Kings are looking for guard help or another wing and have been or will be dangling Thompson, you simply don't extend Thompson right now. That complicates matters entirely too much. While pending restricted free agent status is worse than if Thompson were a year away from RFA, it's better than holding a long-term contract.
What has the league's interest level in JT been? Even if you decide that you won't look to trade Thompson by the March 15 deadline, the team has surely been approached with trade offers. (This assumes that Geoff Petrie picks up his phone, which I guess we can no longer assume.) When teams discuss the Kings' assets, what do they say about Thompson? Surely there's some smokescreening going on, and the information will always be imperfect. But through this market activity -- again, assuming the Kings are active at all -- the team can determine the league's general sentiment about Thompson, and as such make an educated guess about his potential offers as an RFA.
Where does the team want to make another splash? We have no clue as fans and observers where the Kings want to spend their cap space, which they still have plenty of for 2012. If it's in the backcourt or on the wing, it would make sense to lock up a solid rotation big for a fair value contract south of what Chuck Hayes makes. If Petrie intends to chase a star big man, Thompson's value can only go down, so signing a long-term mortgage on him now wouldn't make sense.
There seems to be no chance Thompson signs an extension by Wednesday, and as the team continues to sort out its future, that's probably for the best. As a fan, I hope they are able to keep JT in July. He's a solid player, and if you lose him, you'll have to replace him, probably at a higher price tag, if the team ever makes it back to playoff contention.
2 recs | 74 comments
I hope they keep him
He’s not a flashy player, but I think is really is just a solid NBA player. I think you nailed it with this:
Dub_TC - January 20, 2012
Agreed
JT is the type of guy that any team would want on its roster. He’s solid, has become more consistent, puts in the work, brings a positive attitude, and works on both ends of the floor. I really hope they keep him.
Exhibit G - January 20, 2012
He's become one of my favorite players
He shows up and works.
49er16 - January 20, 2012
Kwame got $7 mil.
I think if they can lock him down for 3 or 4 years for anything less than that they should do it. At this point I’m comfortable with a main 3-man rotation for Cousins, Hayes, and JT moving forward.
I’m hoping the kings field some offers for JJ. Is he a RFA this offseason too?
Crocoduck - January 20, 2012 via mobile
Exactly what I was thinking
If JT is part of the medium-to-long term plans, you offer him a modest extension now instead of letting him test free agency. If Kwame Brown can get 7mil per year, I can see JT getting offers in the same ballpark.
rpmonkey - January 20, 2012
I think Kwame got a special $7 million per year one year deal
because it was just one year (pretty sure if anyone else was offering multiple years at $7 million he would have a different jersey right now)
wallywagon11 - January 20, 2012
I should've added it was a one year deal
But didn’t David West only get $10 mil for a year?
Crocoduck - January 20, 2012 via mobile
two years, $10 million each
wallywagon11 - January 20, 2012
and while here
Dally got $7 million one year plus around $6.7 million for the second year but only $1.5 million of it is guaranteed
wallywagon11 - January 20, 2012
Ok thanks
Crocoduck - January 20, 2012 via mobile
2 years.
Aykis16 - January 20, 2012
This is why I think he becomes a RFA
JT’s agent knows this. I don’t think he signs an in-season extension for any reasonable amount of money.
I would love to have JT back. He seems to be growing into a veteran and has been playing much smarter this year. His contributions go beyond his stats.
However, he’s a 25 year old big man. My guess is his agent will want to test the market to maximize his next contract. I doubt he signs mid-season unless the Kings off a stupid amount of money that makes JT’s agent snicker the whole time he’s signing the deal.
SPTSJUNKIE - January 20, 2012
GP would never do that
markdog333 - January 20, 2012
Is this a chasm or do you mean?
SPTSJUNKIE - January 20, 2012
The Kings should sign JaVale McGee
HE’S THE FUTURE OF THE NBA!
49er16 - January 20, 2012
Ya, like we need another immature, low b-ball IQ guy on this team.
Wonderchild - January 20, 2012
Oooo...should have watched your step there
otis29 - January 20, 2012
Sometimes it is fun to just freefall in...
And rant on the way down the chasm until you hit the bottom (assuming there is a bottom eventually).
Wonderchild - January 20, 2012
Or maybe you should watch your step?!
Shizzo - January 20, 2012
If my options are to pay JT what he is worth,
or overpay another big…then give me some more JT.
Great guy, decent player, amazing motor. I can live with that.
Jim Les - January 20, 2012
We need a point guard
folsomfella - January 20, 2012
as true as that may be, what is the connection to this particular thread? are you suggesting that we can trade JT for a decent point? or that in order to keep him around, he needs to develop into a point? help me out here….
gaindeyouth - January 20, 2012
rec'd
for the mental image of JT running the point
LLcoolRay - January 20, 2012
It's the only thing he hasn't been asked to do.
LOUiECOG - January 20, 2012
JT is a solid backup big
Who can backup either the 4 or the 5. He has a great motor, and an amazing work ethic, and by all accounts is a great teammate. So far this year he’s been our most consistent player, I would much rather see him get an extension than us offering one to JJ.
rpmonkey - January 20, 2012
Based on our GM's last trade, I hope we don't go that route...
gregory l - January 20, 2012
JT might be a pretty good piece of a package deal that could bring us a significant talented player to this team
Like a sign and trade deal on draft day with JT and our 2012 pick and someone else for a Josh Smith or Iguodala.
I agree though, because of his potential trade value, he probably will not get an extension now.
Wonderchild - January 20, 2012
ARP reported this
polotown - January 20, 2012
Sorry, link:
http://aroyalpain.com/2012/01/20/sacramento-kings-j-j-hickson-discussing-contract-extension/
polotown - January 20, 2012
Hmm.... This adds another dimension to James write up... but why 5 years or nothing?
The question I have is can they extend multiple players for fewer years? Why does he have to get five years or no extension? Extend him for four years then and assure they get him for the years he will be in his prime without losing the five year option.
JT is just damned solid and you don’t let a guy like be open to leaving as a RFA.
CowbellKings - January 20, 2012
I didn't indicate it was 5 or nothing.
Just indicating 5 is not really an option here.
Tom Ziller - January 20, 2012
I see that now.
I read more into than you wrote. Sorry about that.
CowbellKings - January 20, 2012
BANNED!
Shizzo - January 20, 2012
Has JT improved since he has been here?
I’ve’ never been a fan, but nor have I been a detractor. He’s just never impressed me and doesn’t seem to improve in a noticeable way. He seems very much the player today that he was when we drafted him: not bad but by no means great. With that said, I’ve never studied his stats. So, maybe he has improved and the team’s poor play has hidden that improvement.
Kusian - January 20, 2012
i think he has unimproved in a steady but unspectacular manner. he plays better at doing what he can do without trying to overdo what he can’t do. his fouls are way down. he plays a lot better and under control. he seems to be speeding a lot less time whining at the officials. i agree with the overall assessment that he is a payer that we would rather try to keep then let go so that another team can reap the rewards of his steady progress.
gaindeyouth - January 20, 2012
*improved, not unimproved.
gaindeyouth - January 20, 2012
I can see improvement
The really major and agregious stuff is his fouling, complaining, inability to go up at the rim, and lack of a low post game. He fouled so much and so often that it was pretty awful. Combine that with his incessant complaining about the calls and it just got old fast.
That said, I felt his worst problems were offensive. He would get the ball in the paint and always dribble once before going up. He took just enough time that he let defender get to him and create problems. To add to that he just had no low post game. He didn’t have go to moves and could not play with his back to the hoop at all. He had not ability to score with his left hand.
JT rarely takes a dribble now when he gets the ball low now. I think I have seen him do it once this season and he had several low post moves with his back to the hoop. This includes a half hook, an ability to spin into the paint, and can now switch hands to score with his left hand.
Is JT spectacular? No, but he has shown steady progress and even his footwork has improved some though anything would have been something there.
CowbellKings - January 20, 2012
As far as complaining goes
Cousins is the best thing that’s happened to him
lietothegirls - January 20, 2012
that a good assessment. thanks.
Kusian - January 20, 2012
Last game in the 1st half is first time JT actually looked like an actual NBA player
JT made solid moves, played with poise, in particular left handed hook and nice interior bounce pass.
I give him credit for making progress, but its modest progress. JT has definitely been more decisive with his moves, eliminated travels, blowing up at refs, offensive charges, silly reach in fouls…a lot of the chronic problems for 3+ years.
He is playing 18 minutes a game against mostly backups, which caters to his ability level than his 27 MPG career average against more first stringers, minutes previously rewarded by default.
But he is still sitting at career lows across the board with the exception of FG%. His FT% is horrible.
But here at StR, fans are foaming at the mouth for any indication the guy is not a journeyman underachiever.
Yet I can’t criticize JT too harshly because JJ Hickson has been really disappointing so far…but what gets me about JT is a lot of his hustle is fake hustle. He’s a hustle guy who doesn’t make hustle plays. His steal numbers, block shot numbers have been bad throughout his career. And he doesn’t draw charges. Compared to Cousins who sacrifices his body 2 to 3 times per game, JT is a matador in the paint. He doesn’t anticipate where the offensive player is going to be. He has slow reaction time and instincts for the game.
To sum up, JT is a “hustle” player who doesn’t block shots, make steals, draw charges, challenge in the paint, possess a post game, or make FTs. Is this a player who can be an integral part of success? JT is good, granted, at opportune scoring unchallenged around the hoop when his teammate draws his defender. He rebounds in his area, not outside of it.
Has JT improved? Yes. He’s in good shape, and appears mentally calmer. Do the Kings have any interest in extending him? Hell No.
bench_blob - January 20, 2012
Grain of salt needed here
You wrote JT off long ago and seem unable to have objective perspective on his game.
He has improved and, according to you, the extent of his improvement is that he is “in good shape and appears mentally calmer”?
I just think that reflects your own continued negativity about him more than his game.
CowbellKings - January 20, 2012
Did I not awknowledge his positives...?
I think I did. I love the 56% FG percentage. Thats awesome. And I said before the season began JT looked in good shape and can be competent in a 10 to 15 minute per game role. I want to see him keep up his current level of play, because relatively speaking, he has been great.
But JT has 3 blocked shots in 15 games. For 6’11" interior defender, supposed athlete, thats awful. Thats not me being negative, thats just pointing out the obvious.
As I have said before, whats the point of hustle if it doesn’t amount to much? To quote the legend and scholar, Bill Walton, don’t confuse effort with achievement.
bench_blob - January 20, 2012
I can see some of what you are saying, but it came across negative
You did initially say this:
But then you followed it up with such negativity that overshadowed the above. The list is too long to quote, but some of the high points reflect a tone that is extremely negative
Any positives you say are completely outweighed by the negatives and then to sum it all up you seem to ignore what you first wrote.
And I would even say that your negative attitude distorts your ability to see improvements that have been made. You just are not unbiased when it comes to this player.
CowbellKings - January 20, 2012
Haters gonna hate
I’m not sure how Thompson is an “underachiever” based on the historical performance of #12 draft picks. He sure looks like a guy that, barring injury, is going to have a long NBA career, and that is certainly not “underachieving” in my book. True, he is not Hall of Fame bound, but he is a far cry from being an “underachiever,” in my opinion. He’s likely a 3rd or 4th big for the bulk of his career, a career that will see him make probably $30-$40m. Sign me up for that level of underachieving, please.
Thompson is not where you spend your Bird rights, and given that the Kings are likely to be investing heavily in Cousins and have Hayes locked up for four years, it makes little sense to overspend for Thompson’s or Hickson’s skill set. If either can be retained for the right price come this off season, great. Otherwise, let them go.
section214 - January 20, 2012
Instead of calling me a hater...
Which violates your own site protocol of making discussions personal, yet something you do repeatedly, show me compelling, quantitative, substantive, anecdotal or any (!!!) evidence that JT is the hustle player that translates into meaningful production on the court.
I invite anybody to make a compelling case that JT is hustle player instrumental to winning ball games. Be my guest.
This is what we know, I think: JT has limited to no low post game. JT is not a reliable spot up shooter. JT is opportunistic at scoring in the paint when teammates draw defenders, especially so far this year. Yet there is general consensus that JT will never be a 15 point per game scorer. Agreed?
Next, if JT is not a go-to offensive threat, then perhaps he can be of consistent and steady value, and actually help you win games at if his hustle translates into extra possessions, consistent stops defensively, and a contagious work ethic that teammates embrace.
Yet this is not true, either.
How often does JT dive to the floor for a loose ball? Rarely.
How often does JT take an offensive charge? Rarely.
How often does JT beat his man down the floor in transition? Rarely.
How often is JT first to a loose ball? Rarely.
How often does JT send a message to the opponent with a hard foul? Rarely.
How often does JT successfully challenge and alter shots at the rim? Rarely.
This is not hating, this is an objective assessment of what he accomplishes on the court, not what he is trying to do. I don’t doubt that JT is trying his best, I am not trying to assassinate the guys character, but he is limited by:
Below Average Reaction Time
Below Average Anticipation
Below Average Hand eye coordination
Heavy and Over-Sized Feet
This analysis is pertinent when considering offering a player an extension, whether it occurs now or end of season, because a GM needs to ultimately who a player is. It doesn’t mean shit how a player ranks relative to other #12 draft picks. It matter ultimately whether a player has a definitive skill set that be contributory to the collective success a team aspires to achieve.
If I am relatively pessimistic related to JT as compared to others it is based on 4 years in college which equates into less potential for dramatic improvement, and emotional and intellectual disposition that has never impressed. Still, I view JT as a competent and capable 4th big (10 to 20 minutes per game), and nothing evidenced is by JT’s improved play contradicts this assessment.
Believe it or not, I hope he torches the Spurs tonight.
But I won’t be holding my breath.
bench_blob - January 20, 2012
Ha!
You come out with
and then you accuse others of site moderation violation? Flag my comment and take it up with TZ.Fun facts 1: Thompson has career numbers of 10.6ppg and 7.1RPG. Currently there are fewer than 30 NBA players accomplishing these numbers this season, or less than 7% of NBA players. That does not compute as underachieving to me.
Fun fact 2: Thompson currently ranks 20th at the center position in PER, but 44th in salary at the center position. That does not compute to underachieving to me.
Haters gonna hate.
section214 - January 20, 2012
Exactly Section
JT is a very solid NBA player, who I think could have been farther along if not for the awkward rotations of the last few years.
And who would we replace him with? JJ? If not them, where are the big men who can avg 10 and 7 with good team play without overpaying.
MichaelMack - January 20, 2012
Good to see we have a few JT defenders
Have watched this guy play a team game since day one. So many times JT is open and instead of passing , someone jacks a bad shot. I wonder how he keeps a positive attitude. Numbers are not bad and he just doesn’t get any respect.
kman949 - January 20, 2012
Wont', don't care
bench_blob - January 20, 2012
More Fun Facts
Fun Fact #1 : You endorsed the signing of Travis Outlaw. I called him one of the worst players in the NBA within days of his acquisiton.
Fun Fact #2: I called for the firing of former coach over 12 months before it happened. You argued for 12 full months or longer for his retention when the team was upon virtual implosion under his guidance.
Please enjoy these fun facts, Mr Section.
bench_blob - January 20, 2012
More fun facts
Unlike you, I readily admit when I error.
Now, if you call “not a bad signing” and endorsement, then yes, I endorsed the Outlaw signing.
As it pertains to Westphal, I contended that you don’t fire the guy unless he loses the team or you make a significant coaching upgrade. He lost the team and had to go.
Of course, none of this is germane to the point that I raised here, and that was that I (and the numbers) disagree with your definition of Thompson as an underachiever.
I’ve said this before – you make great points around here, but you are so enveloped in bashing Thompson that you lose credibility. And that’s too bad, as I think that many of your solid takes are lost in your JT fetish.
But thanks for reminding me of how brilliant you are. It had been almost 15 minutes since the last time you reminded us, so I had almost forgotten.
section214 - January 20, 2012
I don't think that is fair Section
He reminds at least every ten
MichaelMack - January 20, 2012
Hmmm -
Upon further review, I went back to find my Outlaw “endorsement” and searched through the thread of the Outlaw signing post, and I could not find it. I’m pretty sure that I said that it was a low risk move considering the dollars, but perhaps I said that in a FanPost or FanShot thread. I sure don’t recall writing any post on the topic, but I thought that I had dropped something in a thread.
You, on the other hand, did laud the Maloofs for at least spending money. You did not like the signing, and you described it as “low risk, low reward.”
The article and thread are linked here. Let me know if I missed something – I don’t think that I did.
section214 - January 20, 2012
How on Earth is any of this germane? At all? This is completely off topic.
And in regards to the whole “flagging” thing, you do care or else you wouldn’t have brought it up.
wallywagon11 - January 20, 2012
LOL
otis29 - January 20, 2012
Actually, it’s more likely because you’ve gone “all in” on this one. Can’t back off now!
otis29 - January 20, 2012
Not true
Don’t understand what you mean by “all in”. I am flexible in my opinions and willing to admit when I am wrong. Not a big deal.
bench_blob - January 20, 2012
Come on now
I know I like picking at you a bit for the lulz, but let’s get serious for a second.
For instance?
otis29 - January 21, 2012
...
/considering the source…
otis29 - January 20, 2012
Bench
Is the last person to say that any poster “foams at the mouth”. His writing style regarding JT is practically breathless and filled with hyperbole and so certain of his own correctness on JT, it ruins whatever good points he has to make for me on other subjects as well, which is disappointing, because he has an interesting point of view.
MichaelMack - January 20, 2012
A bit of an aside
But I was always under the impression fake hustle is the kind that in the grand scheme of things isn’t hustle. For example, when a big man misses a shot on offense and doesn’t run back on D (either complaining to the ref he got fouled or just slow and sad for whatever reason) and it leads to a 4 on 5 transition and he only comes in at the last second (and is running is ass off but started late) to commit a foul on an easy basket on the inside because his ass was late showing up.
wallywagon11 - January 20, 2012
If the best big man you can acquire is Chuck Hayes,
you HAVE to retain Thompson. Otherwise you’ll have to overpay for a Mikki Moore type of player again.
zo0m - January 20, 2012 via mobile
What's wrong with More Mikkie Moore?
Shizzo - January 20, 2012
' Number one pick in the draft '- very funny
as if we’ve ever had that luck
lietothegirls - January 20, 2012
please get rid of Hickson
dudes a scrub forreal. Re Sign JT please.
jadams12 - January 20, 2012
Hickson's success on this team will have a direct correlation to the team's improved ball movement.
His game strictly depends on having other playmakers on the court.
Wonderchild - January 20, 2012
Good point.
Steevo - January 20, 2012
This
Once our offensive movement gets better and we get out in transition and fast breaks more, I think he will excel and get better. If you watch him, he is sometimes the first one down the floor.
thewaterispoison - January 20, 2012
Comparison
For whatever reason I like JT, he seems to care, he has embraced Sacramento, to me he appreciates that he has a dream job. Of late (albeit one game) he seem to me to be willing to go inside and score with some semblance of a post game, rebounds. Seems to be a good team mate, good in the locker room. He seems to have known attributes,
JJ Hickson I’m afraid could be the type who looks good playing with LeBron where his superior athletic talent gets him points and rebounds but when never seems to develop his game beyond that, and no he should not be shooting 18 footers either!
If the Kings don’t resign him, what are the othey JT type players who would be playing in his place?
Murf - January 20, 2012
I love JT
Works hard, pretty good skills, never hear him complaining about PT or Sacramento. He seems to be getting better and better. Him, Cuz, and Hayes are a solid set of front court players. Get it done GP!
mtmoore55 - January 20, 2012
Plus other variables
Coach seems to rate him as someone who turns up for work night in night out. Real class act, good for team chemistry, has shown maturity, improvement, plus he is still young…really handy player.
Sign him up!
Slikk_J - January 20, 2012
he a solid pro
if given the minutes I believe he could average a double double. Not many teams can boast having both a center and a pf who averages a double double. Any the best part is if we aquired a better pf down the road and made him the starter over Jt- You know he would not complain and continue to do his job. He is a solid pro.
sacman - January 20, 2012
Exactly
MichaelMack - January 20, 2012
Keep Him
At least 3 years. He has been a solid player for us and improving every year. He now has a left hand shot…wow.
F3RRi3R - January 20, 2012
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