Jason Thompson (basketball)
A durable and reliable big man who carved out a long NBA career, becoming the Sacramento Kings' ironman during a turbulent period for the franchise.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American basketball player·Birthday: July 21·Millennials
Biography
Jason Thompson's path to the NBA was forged at the mid-major Rider University, where he dominated the MAAC conference and put up numbers that demanded attention from scouts. Selected 12th overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2008, he arrived as a symbol of hope during a prolonged playoff drought. Thompson was never a flashy star, but his value was in his nightly availability and consistent effort. He set screens, battled for rebounds, and provided a steady interior presence for seven seasons in Sacramento, ultimately playing more games for the Kings in their Sacramento era than any other player. After his tenure with the Kings, he became a valued veteran presence for teams like Golden State and Toronto. Thompson's career is a blueprint for longevity, built on professionalism, physical conditioning, and mastering the fundamental hustle plays that keep a player on the floor.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jason was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jason Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jason's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Holds the Sacramento-era franchise record for most games played with the Kings (541).
- Was a first-round NBA draft pick (12th overall) after a standout college career at Rider University.
- Averaged a double-double in his final three collegiate seasons, earning MAAC Player of the Year honors in 2008.
- Played a role on the 2015-16 Toronto Raptors team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals.
Did You Know?
He and his twin brother, Ryan Thompson, were both drafted into the NBA in 2010, though Ryan played only briefly.
He recorded his first career triple-double in his rookie season with the Kings.
He played professionally in China for the Shandong Heroes after his NBA career.
“I had to prove myself at a mid-major, and I brought that chip on my shoulder to Sacramento.”
