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If there’s one pleasant surprise with the Sacramento Kings so far throughout training camp, it would have to be Tristan Thompson’s championship pedigree. Thompson may not be the same player he once was but his experience and veteran presence can help the young King this season. Not only do the King get vertical big but also someone who can take the lead, which Thompson is more than capable of doing in this stage of his career.
"HELL YEAH ROOK!"
How can you not love @realtristan13 😂 pic.twitter.com/x3fFf6KULn
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) October 5, 2021
The Kings are coming off two satisfactory victories against the defending western conference champions, Phoenix Suns, and the Los Angeles Clippers. Although it might have been two meaningless games, the team’s chemistry was evident, which is probably something Thompson has already helped instilled in this roster. Team chemistry is something veterans really know how to work around with in any team they go to. Just look at how LeBron James does it in whatever team he goes to. Thompson has already taken the lead for this Kings team.
During the Kings’ Media Day, Thompson emphasized that being a leader is something he learned from James, his teammate with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thompson’s goal is to do the same in Sacramento and pass what he has learned to the younger generation.
Great chemistry, great energy, great win! #KingsFTW! pic.twitter.com/IWPbgptdhX
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) October 5, 2021
“I think it’s only right to take what I’ve learned from [LeBron] and pass it onto the younger generation and our stars that are coming in this league.” Tristan Thompson said in his first interview this season. “When D. Fox and Tyrese and Davion get to my age, they pass it onto the next [generation] and that’s how you keep the league at a high level.”
Thompson’s leadership could go a far way for the young players repping the Kings namely Tyrese Haliburton, Davion Mitchell, De’Aaron Fox and even Buddy Hield — guys who have yet to taste what it’s like to win a championship. Veterans like Thompson will probably be in charge of gathering the team together and explaining the ins and outs of the league.
More importantly, Thompson can be the bridge between these young players and Luke Walton, whose performance has been underwhelming over the past couple of seasons. A coach like Walton would probably listen to Thompson more since the veteran has been through the ups and down of an NBA player.
Aside from Thomspon’s asset offcourt, he can also still contribute for the Kings. He can be their interior big who can rebound and score easy buckets. He can be used in the pick-and-roll alongside the Kings’ young guards. Thompson doesn’t have to start in order to make an impact as he can be a substitute for Alex Len and Damian Jones — two young players who can also learn from the one time champion.
On defense, Tristan Thompson can protect the paint for the Kings. He’s not that switchable big that can stay in front of guards anymore but his height and body presence can still alter the opponent’s shots. And since he’s likely coming off the bench, Thompson can be that energy or spark plug that can help the Kings when perhaps they’re on a losing streak (which they always find themselves in) or at the middle of the season when it gets boring.
Ultimately, the champion’s contribution may not be on the court anymore but rather off which this current Kings roster needs.
