The Run Down:
- 2007-08 Season Averages: 20.4ppg, 12.1rpg, 2.7apg, 2.7bpg
- Height: 6'11", Weight: 250lbs, Position: Center, Class: Senior
- 21 years old
- Best Case Comparisons:
- Worst Case Comparison: Malik Allen
Strengths:
- Size
- Length
- Mobility/Agility
- Frame
- Touch
Weaknesses:
- Position in the Post
- Perimeter defense
- Defense
- Focus
- Basketball IQ
My Take: Jason Thompson is projected to fall late in the first round to early in the second round. He is regarded by many analysts as a "late-bloomer", he has grown four inches since his freshman year. He is also seen as a underrated prospect when looking at the small college he played at, Rider University. Thompson is another center prospect the Sonics could grab with their late 1st round pick. Should they grab him if he's available?
Jason Thompson can be described as a basketball player with great athletic ability that lacks a single stand-out skill. His offensive game is what general mangers would call "developing". He can make shots around the paint and also hit from the mid-range. Other than that his scoring comes from offensive rebounding and a lot of put-backs.
A weakness that scares me away is his low-post offense. Draft Express states that he has a difficult time gaining position on the post, which means he would have a hard time scoring in the post as well. If he can't gain position in the post at the college level, how will he be able to do it at the pro level?
Besides that glaring weakness, Thompson does have some up-side to him. He has been praised for his exceptional hustle and rebounding as evident by his 12 rebound per game average. He also has freakish leaping ability (see video below).
Conclusion: Jason Thompson is just not a solid enough player for the Sonics to even consider with their #24 pick. He comes in as an undeveloped talent when the Sonics are already trying to develop three other centers on their team. Besides the Sonics' situation, I believe that Thompson will be drafted between picks #20 and #30. He just possesses such impressive athletic ability that many smart coaches will be able to improve and adapt his game to the NBA.
Sources: nbadraft.net, draftexpress.com
Previous Candidates: Brook Lopez, Jerryd Bayless, Anthony Randolph, OJ Mayo, Kevin Love, Kosta Koufos
Jason Thompson can be described as a basketball player with great athletic ability that lacks a single stand-out skill. His offensive game is what general mangers would call "developing". He can make shots around the paint and also hit from the mid-range. Other than that his scoring comes from offensive rebounding and a lot of put-backs.
- B/R Ticket Guide
A weakness that scares me away is his low-post offense. Draft Express states that he has a difficult time gaining position on the post, which means he would have a hard time scoring in the post as well. If he can't gain position in the post at the college level, how will he be able to do it at the pro level?
Besides that glaring weakness, Thompson does have some up-side to him. He has been praised for his exceptional hustle and rebounding as evident by his 12 rebound per game average. He also has freakish leaping ability (see video below).
Conclusion: Jason Thompson is just not a solid enough player for the Sonics to even consider with their #24 pick. He comes in as an undeveloped talent when the Sonics are already trying to develop three other centers on their team. Besides the Sonics' situation, I believe that Thompson will be drafted between picks #20 and #30. He just possesses such impressive athletic ability that many smart coaches will be able to improve and adapt his game to the NBA.
Sources: nbadraft.net, draftexpress.com
Previous Candidates: Brook Lopez, Jerryd Bayless, Anthony Randolph, OJ Mayo, Kevin Love, Kosta Koufos
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