Fans may not realize it, but NBA players were once in their shoes.

Before ever setting foot on pro basketball hardwood, the Sacramento Kings were fans, too. Some even lined up courtside before and after contests in hopes of snapping a picture or receiving autographs from their favorite athletes.

“Every time I'd go to a game or an event, I’d try to get autographs,” Kings rookie Jason Thompson said.

Growing up in southern New Jersey, Thompson avidly followed Philadelphia sports teams. He watched Allen Iverson crossover opponents for the 76ers and running back Brian Westbrook run halfback screens for the Eagles. And now that he’s peers with some of his sports idols, the Kings young big man puts it all in perspective.

“It’s great to get autographs from guys you looked up to like A.I. and LeBron and now go against them,” Thompson said at the Kings practice facility.

One autograph that's a part of Thompson’s collection belongs to Philly quarterback Donovan McNabb. Though he recalled meeting the Eagles play caller, Thompson couldn’t quite remember where the event took place.

“I’m not exactly sure where I first got his autograph,” Thompson said as he recollected his encounter with the NFL veteran. “It might have been at an event at a restaurant in Philadelphia.”

Surprisingly, the two crossed paths again. The only difference, Thompson is now a pro athlete like his hero.

“I met him again working out in Chicago this summer at Tim Grover’s facility,” Thompson noted. “Football and basketball players both work out there.”

The rookie forward’s connection with McNabb came full circle when he struck a friendship with the All-Pro QB, while preparing for the NBA Draft in the Windy City.

“I’m cool with McNabb now actually,” Thompson said with a smile. “He knows me as 'Young Fella.' When I go back to the Jersey area, we chill and have some fun together.”

Unlike his teammate, fellow rookie, Bobby Brown wouldn’t have been as eager to approach one of his favorite stars. But anytime young Brown went to a sporting event, he made sure to bring his camera.

“I was shy to go up and ask somebody for their autograph,” Brown admitted. “But whenever I had the chance to go to games, I took pictures.”

Despite his former hesitance, the Kings backup point guard is no longer bashful like he was in his youth. He’s enjoying the entire NBA experience, especially the interaction with loyal Kings fans. Brown confessed he’s more excited to give than receive nowadays.

“I’ve always wanted to give autographs and take pictures with fans,” Brown said. “I’m a friendly guy.”

This may be Brown's first year in the NBA, but he's not a rookie when it comes to giving out his John Hancock.

“The first time somebody asked me for my autograph was my freshman year in college when we played USC,” Brown, who dropped 27 points on the Trojans, said. “I had a pretty good game and this kid afterward asked me, ‘Bobby, can I have your autograph?’ Out of nowhere.”

Being asked for one’s autograph is an exciting experience for young players like Brown. However, all the adulation can be an adjustment for some players making the transition into the League.

“I think when I first was drafted and people started noticing me, it was different,” Kings swingman John Salmons said. “But as you go on with your career, you get pretty used to it.”

Players are grateful for the affection and respect they receive from fans. Though sometimes demanding, being asked to sign something is just another indication they’ve reached the pinnacle of their profession.

“It's still gratifying and leaves you in disbelief that somebody would ask you for your autograph,” Salmons said modestly. “It’s cool.”