Speaking on NBA Today this week, Kendrick Perkins made headlines by calling out Klay Thompson on national television. Speaking on-air, Perkins described Klay’s struggles this season and how they need more from him to have any chance of making a run.
“I’m looking at Andrew Wiggins and I’m looking at Klay Thompson,” said Perkins. “It’s time for them to elevate their game. They have been a disappointment thus far in this young season and it’s time for them to get better.”
At 6-6 on the season, the Golden State Warriors haven’t been the model of consistency they’ve been known for in the Stephen Curry era. And while plenty of issues are to blame for their so-and-so start, the struggles of Klay Thompson are no doubt among the biggest factors. For his place as one of the greatest long-distance snipers ever, the Warriors have been ride-or-die with Thompson for years, but if he cannot find his groove soon, they may have to start coming up with a new plan to avoid falling into an early hole this season.
Klay Has Not Been Himself
As a 4x champion, 5x All-Star, and 2x All-NBA player, Klay Thompson has nothing left to prove in the NBA and he has more than earned the benefit of the doubt from Steve Kerr and his Warriors teammates. Even so, Klay has been a shell of himself this season and it’s been rough to watch. With averages of 14.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game on 43.3% shooting (34% from downtown), his stats are down across the board. In fact, Klay’s scoring numbers are his lowest since his rookie season (12.5 PPG), when he averaged just 24 minutes per game.
Clearly, Klay Thompson is not in a good spot right now and his continued struggles have given the Warriors some major problems in the backcourt. If not for Chris Paul exceeding expectations, Steph Curry would be alone out there as the Warriors’ only consistent backcourt star. But if the Dubs want to have any luck challenging teams like the Nuggets, Timberwolves, or Lakers, they’ll need more than just the resurgence of Klay to come out alive.
Will Thompson Re-Sign In 2024?
One of the more under-talked-about stories this season is the looming free agency of Mr. Thompson, who is apparently far apart on extension talks with the Warriors. Klay’s current contract expires in a few months, and it’s no secret that the 4x champ is expecting to get rewarded for his previous years of success with the organization. While head coach Steve Kerr and team owner Joe Lacob have made it clear that they still believe in Thompson as a core piece of their future, nobody knows what will happen when free agency opens up in July.
Despite his struggles, Klay’s abilities as a shooter and experience as a multiple-time champion will ensure he gets picked up by some team but the price for his services is still highly debatable considering where he’s at at this stage of his career. In what could be the last dance for this Warriors group, it’ll be up to Klay to set his worth and prove to teams out there that he’s still one of the best guards in basketball.
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