Last Updated on April 16, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here is the detailed information about John Thompson:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: John Robert Thompson Jr.
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Passed away at 78 (born September 2, 1941 – died August 30, 2020)
  • Hometown: Washington, D.C., USA
  • Height: 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
  • Weight: 270 lbs (122 kg) during his playing days
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 11 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 16 (US)
  • Number: Wore jersey number 25
  • Position: Center
  • High School: Archbishop Carroll High School (Washington, D.C.)
  • College: Providence College (1960–1964)
  • NBA Draft: Selected in the 3rd round (25th overall) in the 1964 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics
  • Teams Played For:
    • Boston Celtics (1964–1966)
  • Championship Rings: 2 NBA Championships (1965, 1966) as a player with the Boston Celtics
  • Kids:
    • John Thompson III (son, former head coach of Georgetown University)
    • Ronny Thompson (son, former coach)
    • Tiffany Thompson (daughter)
  • Siblings: Information about siblings is not widely available

Player Archetype / Play Style

John Thompson’s player archetype was that of an old-school interior big: a 6-foot-10, 225-pound center/forward whose value came from size, rebounding, interior defense, and dependable complementary play rather than high-volume shot creation. Defensively, he fit as a paint protector and physical post presence, using his length and frame to contest inside, hold position, and clean the glass. Offensively, his role was more functional than featured, built around screening, finishing near the rim, second-chance points, and simple low-post work instead of running offense through him. Physically, Thompson brought legitimate frontcourt size, strength, and reach, and his overall play style can be summed up as rugged, disciplined, team-first, and anchored in the basics of interior basketball.

Sources:

Providence College Athletics — Friar Legend John Thompson ’64 Passes Away
Georgetown University — Georgetown Pays Tribute to the Late, Great Head Basketball Coach John Thompson Jr.
NBA.com — John Thompson | Forward | Boston Celtics | NBA.com