When the Dream Becomes Reality

Jason Thompson

You wore 1 at Rider, how did you decide on 34 as your Kings jersey number?
“I usually have a meaning for the number I have, so my high school number was 33 and my college number was 1. Now (I have 34). I had to think of something. I (chose it) at the last minute and it was hard for me to think of because every number I was saying was either retired or taken. (Laughs.) It’s alright though, it feels good.”

What’s the contrast between how you dreamt it would feel to be drafted and the actual feeling of being drafted?
“I think I had it planned out a couple days in advance of how I would react, but it didn’t even work out like that. I just wanted to scream and go out into the neighborhood but my heart was beating so fast and then it stopped immediately (when my name was announced). I shed a few tears and started screaming in the house and then went outside to get some air and the whole neighborhood was a stampede and came to the house, even people I had never seen before. It’s good and it means I have a lot of support. And it showed all the hard work I have been putting in has paid off.”

Now that you’re in Sacramento at your first NBA press conference, what does it feel like?
“I couldn’t imagine it would be this good and feel this good. I feel like it still hasn’t even hit me, yet. It has to hit me sooner or later. I’m just excited to have this start and have some time off (this week), but not too much. I’ll be working out at home just to get ready going into Summer League.”

You’ve compared your game to a combination of Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace. Can you elaborate on that?
“I watched their games real closely. With KG, I just love his energy and the leadership he brings to the team. Even before he won a championship, that’s the same effort I would give. He brings the ball up sometimes. He shoots the ball from the outside on a consistent basis, especially this year with his midrange game. When he dunks the ball, he’s screaming and saying certain things that I know, but I hope the media doesn’t say out loud. (Laughs.) And then Sheed is a Philly guy from the same area (as me). Some games he’s 6-for-6 from three. He’s so consistent with that. And I try to say not the attitude part, just his game and what he brings to the table.”

What NBA player are you looking forward to playing against most?
“I haven’t really thought about it like that. Pretty much everyone right now, but we’ll have to see. Maybe the guys I look up to will be my favorite guys to play against.”