Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Now that it appears likely the Sacramento Kings will be staying in California, players like Jason Thompson can try to focus on making his team better in 2013-14.
Thompson had a fine NBA season with Sacramento, but needs to work on various phases of his game so the team to be more effective next year.
He averaged 19.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.
It was one of the best seasons of his brief NBA career. Thompson is one of those rare Sacramento players, who has been with the team his entire career. His first two seasons have actually been his best. As a rookie, Thompson showed the potential he had by averaging 11.1 points, 28.1 minutes, 7.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. The following year, he was even better with 12.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. He started more than half of his games those first two seasons. His shooting percentages were in the high 40s. But the next two seasons weren’t as productive, although he still played well. Two seasons ago, he was at 8.9 points and 6.1 rebounds a game and the following year was at 9.1 points and 6.7 boards per game
That’s why the Kings were happy to see Thompson pick up his numbers this year. If he can stay aggressive and consistent, he should be better. He also started all but one game and saw action in all 82 games. That factor shows his ability to handle the rigors of a long NBA regular-season. He’s the type of player the Kings will need to be a playoff contender.
