The Kings officially welcomed back Jason Thompson with a press conference on Friday after the power forward signed a deal two weeks ago to keep him in Sacramento.
Thompson spoke at the conference alongside Kings President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie, who appeared very pleased to have reached a deal with Thompson.
"We're really excited about bringing Jason back," Petrie said. "He brings so many positive qualities to our team and I think his best years are still in front of him."
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The new five-year contract makes Thompson one of the longest tenured players with the Kings, having spent his previous four years in Sacramento. Thompson had no reservations in showing his enthusiasm at the prospect of being a King for the next five years.
REWIND: Thompson re-ups with Kings
"My goal was to get a second contract and to be in this league for ten-plus years," Thompson said. "This is obviously the place I wanted to be."
Thompson averaged 9.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per game last season, but is looking to increase his numbers in the seasons to follow and has a vision for his future role with the team.
NBA
"I can be consistent and do the little things -- try and have the mindset of trying to average a double-double and just be solid," Thompson said.
Petrie also intimated that the signing would keep the Kings' younger core players together in order to build team chemistry.
"It is going to be a big year for our younger core where the team learns how to play together and trust each and grow from experiences they have had at this point, " Petrie said.
"I think if everyone plays a certain role, then I think a lot of positive things can come out of it," added Thompson. "We're trying to do more walking and not just talking."