Jason Thompson

It’s a rule basketball coaches and players adhere to at every level. With at least 82 games in an NBA season, teams have to focus on the here and now.

“To be honest, in this business you don’t think much further in advance than the next day,” Kings assistant coach Rex Kalamian said when asked about his Thanksgiving plans.

He hopes to spend Thursday afternoon with family before the Kings fly to Salt Lake City in the evening. Even then, he and the rest of the Kings coaching staff will take whatever holiday festivities come their way.

As an NBA coach or player, it’s not easy to maintain a normal schedule, and the holidays are no different. So coaches and players try to squeeze in as much quality time with family as they can.

“We’ll probably practice in the morning and maybe have a little bit to eat in the afternoon,” Kalamian explained of his Thanksgiving agenda.

Though the focus is basketball, coaches and players still find time to reflect during the holidays. After all, having a job in the League is very gratifying.

“It really is an honor to be in this league and be able to have a job here with a great organization,” Kalamian said. “I’m just thankful for all the good things we receive on an everyday basis that we sometimes take for granted.”

It’s been awhile since some of the coaches experienced a normal holiday celebration. For Kalamian it’s been 15-plus years since he’s enjoyed the usual family holiday get together. But, he still remembers what those days were like.

“We’d always have a big family Thanksgiving dinner at my house,” Kalamian said with a smile. “We played football in the mornings and then we’d come in at about 3 p.m. and have Thanksgiving Dinner. It’s been a long time since we’ve done that.”

Unlike his coach, Jason Thompson isn’t far removed from his last family Thanksgiving. In his first NBA campaign, he’s already prepared for the heartache that comes with missing loved ones this Thursday.

“I actually don’t know,” Thompson said when asked of his Thanksgiving plans. “It hurts to be from the East Coast and not have my family out here. If I had more time off, I would go home.”

Over his 22 years, Thompson has grown accustomed to spending Turkey Day with loved ones at his grandmother’s house. This year will be the first time tradition is broken. However, the Kings versatile big man knows his family won’t be too sad he’s not around.

“We have a big family that’s real close,” Thompson said. “And they’ll be excited even though I’m not home because this will be the first Thanksgiving dinner I’m an NBA player.”

Thompson knows his family will manage without his presence this year. They might even be able to send him a copy of their celebration, if they continue a longtime tradition.

“We’ve always videotaped our Thanksgivings,” Thompson said. “And when we watch the tapes, we look at how young people were, how people used to act and how mature people have become. It’s great to see how the family has grown through the years.”

Although Thompson will miss out on home cooking this year, he is grateful to be in Sacramento.

“I’m thankful to be here,” Thompson said as he reflected upon his Thanksgiving blessings. “To be drafted, to do something I’ve always wanted to do since I was a little kid and to be pretty successful at it right now feels great.”

Spencer Hawes

“I’m thankful for everything,” Hawes said after a recent practice. “Especially in times like this where a lot of people are struggling. I’m just blessed to be in this position.”

In his short career, Hawes has learned to adjust when it comes to the holidays. The second-year center will be spending Thanksgiving without two of his biggest supporters this year.

“My parents stiffed me this year,” Hawes said jokingly. “So I’m just hanging out down here.”

Despite his parents’ absence, he has memories aplenty featuring turkey-laden feasts of years past.

“I always used to eat two meals because I have some real close family friends,” Hawes said with a smile. “I’d eat at my house and then I would go across the street and eat over at my friend’s house.”

Thanksgiving brings back entertaining memories of family and friends for Kings head coach Reggie Theus, too.

“What family doesn’t have a funny relative?” Theus teased. “My step-dad, Perry, was hilarious.”

Theus spoke of his late step-father, James Perry Booker, as one of the most amusing people he’s ever known. But his comedic qualities weren't easily describable.

“He was just funny,” Theus said with a smile, searching for the right words. “Just because of the way he would laugh and the things he would say.”

During his Kings playing days, Theus avidly hunted pheasants near ARCO Arena. And one of his fondest memories with Perry came when the two were in pursuit of the long tailed bird.

“We’re out in the field and we saw a couple of pheasants hiding in the grass and one kind of walks out,” Theus described with a grin. “And he shoots the pheasant while it’s still on the ground!”

Turns out, Perry wasn’t as interested in the activity of hunting as his step-son. Apparently, he was more concerned with satisfying his stomach.

“He wanted to eat,” Theus said as he ended the story with a laugh. “He wasn’t even thinking about the sport!”

This Thanksgiving, the Kings are counting all their past and present blessings. Whether it’s twice one’s fill of turkey dinner or the cheerful memory of a late relative, the team is taking a step back this Thursday to reflect on all their good fortune this holiday season.