He was a broadcasting major at Rider University. So, yeah, Jason Thompson knows a bit about the art of the sound byte.
Sure enough, the Kings' rookie forward out of Rider University was ready with one on Friday when asked about the summer league experience that awaits him in Las Vegas.
"They have the saying that what goes on in Vegas stays in Vegas," he began with a smile, "but hopefully when I play well it's not going to stay in Vegas."
He's right about that. Word will spread whether he dominates or flops, neither of which would mean all that much in the grand scheme. Still, the projecting won't stop once it starts.
For now, Thompson said his first three days in a Kings uniform went better than he'd expected. He engaged in a spirited back-and-forth with Spencer Hawes at the Kings' practice facility on Friday when the duo went at each other on both ends and seemed to break even.
"I actually think I'm doing better than I thought I was going to do," Thompson said. "You're not going to come in here and say, 'Oh I'm going to dominate.' It's my first NBA experience. I've played against better guys in the country, other NBA players, but it's different when you're on a team and settled and have a contract."
Hawes said he's eager to learn Thompson's game, knowing full well they are the Kings' hoped-for frontline of the future.
"I'll just try and get a read off of what he likes to do, where he's comfortable catching the ball, where he likes to play out of and just try to play off that," Hawes said. "The only way you can do that is through repetition and experience with somebody."
For those looking to watch Thompson in action against Toronto today at 1 p.m., you can go to NBATV or a webcast that can be found here. - Sam Amick
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