Kings Blog and Q&A: Final thoughts on draft night...

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Kings Blog and Q&A

News, observations and reader questions about the Sacramento Kings and the NBA.

June 26, 2008

Final thoughts on draft night...

I'm somewhat surprised at how quickly I bought into the Kings' selection of Rider forward Jason Thompson at No. 12, but we'll obviously learn more in the coming months.

As for non-hoops impressions, the 21-year-old came off very well in his phone interview with the media. After one question, he even dropped an "I beg your pardon." So, Kings fans, rest assured that he at least has manners.

For those looking to continue reading up on the youngster, check out this comprehensive look from Draftexpress.

For the visual types, the always-faithful YouTube...

No. 12 pick - Rider forward Jason Thompson

Before we get to the video, we interrupt this broadcast for the draft night opinion of the Kings' resident chief of the youth movement. Shooting guard Kevin Martin was ecstatic with the Thompson pick on Thursday. I polled him only because I was told he saw Thompson work out and was very impressed.

"(Thompson) was the best player we could have got and needed," Martin wrote via cell phone. "(I'm) very excited we were able to get him and was very impressed watching him workout!!!"

And, yes, those were his exclamation points.

A bit of context for the below interview which took place after a workout in Utah: the Old Spice Classic he talks about was in November, when Thompson outplayed Michael Beasley (Kansas State, picked No. 2 by Miami) and J.J. Hickson (North Carolina State, picked No. 19 overall by Cleveland) and turned some serious heads.

No. 42 pick - Virginia point guard Sean Singletary

No. 43 pick - Georgetown forward Patrick Ewing Jr.

- Sam Amick

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