Could anyone blame Jason Thompson for wanting a change?
In four seasons, Thompson has had four coaches. The Kings have brought in multiple players at his position as presumed replacements.
And let's not forget a good chunk of Thompson's third NBA season was spent wondering if he'd be an Anaheim Royal.
There was also the brief experiment with Thompson becoming a small forward (no, it didn't work) and a time it looked like a matter of when, not if, Thompson would become a former King.
But Thompson is sticking around after agreeing to a five-year contract with Sacramento that will pay him in excess of $30 million over the life of the deal.
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't go through a roller coaster my first four years," Thompson said.
Besides the multiple head coaches, Thompson noted he has only one teammate that was a King during his rookie season, Francisco Garcia.
The Kings, however are striving for some continuity and Thompson was their top priority this offseason.
Thompson said advice from those who "have been in similar situations" kept him from "putting my head down" during the tough times.
"I'm just fortunate to be in this situation - for me to be able to play five more years," Thompson said
Things have changed a lot in less than a year for Thompson. Last December, Thompson was the fourth big man, behind DeMarcus Cousins, J.J. Hickson and Chuck Hayes.
Thompson waited his turn and proved his worth to the point the Kings made it known well before the end of the season they planned to keep him in Sacramento.
Thompson is now a key part of a three-man rotation that will include Cousins and rookie Thomas Robinson.
And for the first time since his second season, Thompson is a projected starter before the season (barring Robinson being the second-coming of Blake Griffin).
Thompson isn't bothered by the Robinson addition because he said all good teams need depth.
"You never know with the draft," Thompson said. "You just have to take it one day at a time."
Something Thompson does know is the Kings do want him. That wasn't always obvious in recent seasons.
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