Jason Thompson

Posted by Johnathan Kendrick on June 25, 2008

Jason Thompson didn’t go to a big school. In fact 4 years ago at 6′6” tall, Jason signed to play basketball at Rider University in his home state of New Jersey. It wasn’t the Division I program he had dreamed of – but it was still college basketball. Now a Senior – He stands 6′11”, and weighs 250 pounds. He played Center last year at Rider, and is projected to spend most of his time playing either Center or Power Forward in the NBA. He is very athletic and quick, and can shoot the ball from the outside as well as create his own shot inside. His speed and range will on occasion allow him to play the wing or Small Forward.

Thompson is a late bloomer – but he has been on the Jazz radar for some time. He is an excellent scorer and rebounder being one of two guys to average a double double in those categories last year in college. His size and quickness also got him 2.7 blocks per game. The biggest knock on Thompson is that since he went to a small school – his stats and performance are a bit inflated. But then again that was the knock on Scottie Pippen too and we all know how that turned out. He would need to add some weight and toughness to play Center in the NBA. Although I am not not convinced that the Jazz would use him at Center, in stead using him as a big forward much like Lamar Odum, or even perhaps a better example is Thurl Bailey.

I think the Jazz like Thompson a lot. More than Hibbert. Of course it’s pure speculation but if the Jazz have to guarantee a guy a contract this year – I think Thompson intrigues them the most.

His size, versatility, and range would give the Jazz flexibility, depth and options at three positions. Depending on how they used him – Thompson could be insurance against losing Millsap, Harpring, Boozer, Kirilenko, Okur, or Collins.

Thompson would most likely start the season with the D-League Utah Flash, where he would start along side Fess, the second year Jazz player. Almond would move up to the Jazz as the 12th man, in all probability leaving Jason hart watch games in in street clothes.

Key 2007-08 STATS
PPG APG 3P% RPG BPG
20.4 2.7 .324 12.1 2.7

4 Comments

Jared Conger on June 25, 2008 said:

i hate to be too high on any prospects…. but could we just draft this guy already?

then if we can’t trade our 2 second round picks for future picks lets draft some overseas projects.

Thompson > Hibbert > Kofous > McGee > Hardin

justalars on June 25, 2008 said:

Did you really say we need insurance for losing Collins. I don’t hate him like most on here. But he doesn’t play (more so now that there is no flopping). The most accurate thing you said was Jason Hart will be gone. At 2 mil a year he’s way to expensive for a 3rd point guard. I expect a trade or a buyout. I expect a 3rd point to be drafted in the 2nd round. I think the Jazz will move to either get Thompson or Hibbert whomever they have rated higher. Cause it looks like they’ll both be gone before 23. Washington is trying to move their pick at 18.

Johnathan Kendrick on June 25, 2008 said:

I did say insurance for losing alot of guys Collins included. Don’t underestimate his value. He is the 11th or 12th guy on the roster - he is the best 12th man in the league. His fellow players and the coaching staff have the highest respect for the guy. He is always ready - even though he is rarley called upon. If and when he leaves - he won’t be easy to replace.

Hart won’t be cut - not soon anyway. He does have an expiring contract - the kind that works really well in a trade. The Jazz do like to have 3 PG’s expect him to stick around for a while - just don’t be suprised if he sits behind the bench in street clothes.