Thompson ready to embrace his role

Jason Thompson's decision to re-sign with the Kings this month wasn't breaking news nationally.

But then again, most of Thompson's basketball career hasn't been about him making headlines.

On a team full of what coach Keith Smart describes as alpha males trying to define their place atop the team hierarchy, Thompson prefers simply to fit in and do the little things not associated with star players.

The Kings re-signed Thompson to a five-year contract worth $30.2 million shortly after the NBA moratorium on transactions ended at midnight July 11.

Schedules finally allowed for the Kings to hold a press conference Friday to discuss Thompson's new deal at Bella Bru Cafe near Power Balance Pavilion.

Thompson was the Kings' top priority this offseason after making the four-year veteran a restricted free agent.

Thompson says he is excited about the direction of the Kings under Smart, who is entering his first full season, and is ready to contribute wherever needed.

"Some guys are going to have to play different roles," said Thompson, the Kings' first-round draft pick in 2008. "Some guys can score a lot, and that's what they're known to do, but maybe if they can take some steps back in scoring and get more assists, rebounds and diving for loose balls, it makes a great team."

DeMarcus Cousins, Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton are expected to do the bulk of the scoring for the Kings.

That doesn't include new point guard Aaron Brooks and returning point guard Isaiah Thomas, who also can score 20-plus points on any given night.

That doesn't leave a lot of offensive plays to be run through Thompson, who averaged 9.1 points and 6.9 rebounds last season while shooting a career-high 53.5 percent from the field.

Thompson understands that and is out for consistency in his role.

"Do the little things, have the mindset of trying to average a double double, at least 10 points and 10 rebounds, and just be solid," Thompson said. "Be able to not be in foul trouble, defend, score when I can. And I think if everyone plays a certain a role, I think a lot of positive things can come out of it."

For the Kings to have a chance of ending their six-season losing streak, they need more players to think unselfishly.

Thompson's attitude fits that mold.

"He's one of those players that has the ability to get things done and be productive on the court without necessarily having a ton of plays for him offensively just because of his effort, his timing," said Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie.

Thompson said he was never discouraged by the number of power forwards and centers the Kings have added in recent seasons.

He has outlasted or outplayed most of those new additions.

The 6-foot-10 Thompson finished the season as the starting power forward, a spot he figures to retain, even with the addition of first-round pick Thomas Robinson.

Thompson also can back up Cousins at center and has the type of athleticism that Smart wants in his big men to play a fast style of basketball.

Thompson said he'll be more relaxed without the pressure of playing for a new contract.

As for the accolades, he isn't obsessed with those, either.

"I was never that flashy-type player that was the All-American in high school," Thompson said. "I didn't start getting accolades until I was in college, my junior and senior year (at Rider). For me, I just have to keep working and working."

• Read more articles by Jason Jones

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