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Bench Warmer
Ever since Kevin Martin broke his wrist against the Grizzlies, Jason Thompson has decided to play at an All-Star level in order to help carry his team.
During the Kings' 4-1 stretch from November 4th through the 13th, Thompson has been the player every Kings fan hopes he'll become. His numbers during this stretch were staggeringly impressive for the second-year power forward. In this stretch, he averaged 20.2 points and 11.6 rebounds with 50 percent shooting from the field and 86.7 percent from the line.
While Most Improved Player is certainly on his radar if he can sustain this effort, he should be eyeing a spot on the All-Star team out West. Here are his ranks amongst power forwards in the Western Conference heading into Tuesday's game with the Bulls:
He's sixth in points per game, third in rebounding, tied for first in offensive rebounding, 10th in field goal percentage, sixth in free throw shooting, third in free throw attempts per game, third in assists, second in blocks and third in double-doubles. He's also second amongst power forwards in the West in PER with a 21.67.
With Dirk Nowitzki and Amare Stoudemire being locks, Thompson's biggest competition becomes David West, Zach Randolph and Carlos Boozer for one of the big man spots in Dallas. The key for Thompson to make the leap to All-Star status is how well the Kings do.
Thompson is basically playing a numbers game as most All-Star hopefuls do. If he wants in, he'll have to lead Sacramento to victories. Maintaining this pace doesn't only give him a ticket to Dallas in February, it gives the Kings a cornerstone to build on.
During the Kings' 4-1 stretch from November 4th through the 13th, Thompson has been the player every Kings fan hopes he'll become. His numbers during this stretch were staggeringly impressive for the second-year power forward. In this stretch, he averaged 20.2 points and 11.6 rebounds with 50 percent shooting from the field and 86.7 percent from the line.
While Most Improved Player is certainly on his radar if he can sustain this effort, he should be eyeing a spot on the All-Star team out West. Here are his ranks amongst power forwards in the Western Conference heading into Tuesday's game with the Bulls:
He's sixth in points per game, third in rebounding, tied for first in offensive rebounding, 10th in field goal percentage, sixth in free throw shooting, third in free throw attempts per game, third in assists, second in blocks and third in double-doubles. He's also second amongst power forwards in the West in PER with a 21.67.
With Dirk Nowitzki and Amare Stoudemire being locks, Thompson's biggest competition becomes David West, Zach Randolph and Carlos Boozer for one of the big man spots in Dallas. The key for Thompson to make the leap to All-Star status is how well the Kings do.
Thompson is basically playing a numbers game as most All-Star hopefuls do. If he wants in, he'll have to lead Sacramento to victories. Maintaining this pace doesn't only give him a ticket to Dallas in February, it gives the Kings a cornerstone to build on.
