The 50 most interesting players in European hoops: Nos. 40-31

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 25: Jason Thompson #1 of the Toronto Raptors gets a rebound in the fourth quarter against James Jones #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 25, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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40. Jason Thompson, PF, Fenerbahce

Jason Thompson was the hustle king for Sacramento for nearly a decade, but his NBA opportunities ran out in 2016, and he settled in China. He averaged 18.7 points and 13.9 rebounds per game, reiterating the fact that almost any NBA-level player can put up video game numbers in that league. It was enough to attract high-level European interest though, and now Thompson enters his first season at age 31, replacing Ekpe Udoh in the Euroleague Champions’ lineup.

The major question for Thompson this year isn’t whether his game will translate – effort guys who rebound well, finish, and handle a small amount generally do well here. It’s whether his motivation will be where Fenerbahce needs. The Euroleague season is a grind, with intercontinental travel, a demanding practice schedule, and domestic league games sprinkled in between. It’s a life that can be hard to adjust to, and after a full NBA career and a laid back season in China, is he ready to commit to Zeljko Obradovic’s demanding ways? If so, Fenerbahce will be as strong as ever. If not, they may be in mild trouble.

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