Klay Thompson is one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. While Steph Curry gets most of the attention and the plaudits for his shooting, Thompson is just as lethal from beyond the arc.
In fact, Thompson can be even more dangerous if he begins to develop a rhythm. Klay was a crucial part of the Warriors’ dynasty that dominated the NBA for five seasons.
Thompson is a fan favorite and one of the most beloved players in the world. This is primarily due to how good of a scorer and shooter he is. On top of that, Thompson is also an elite defender who can guard some of the best players in the entire NBA.
Thompson is considered one of the most reliable stars for the Warriors. But that wasn’t always the case. In fact, Thompson even got an earful from his teammates for shooting the ball too much.
Former Warriors assistant coach Jerry DeGregorio revealed a recent story where Thompson showed his killer instinct. In a game in his rookie season, Thompson angered his teammate Monta Ellis by shooting the ball too much.
.@KlayThompson really has been that guy since day one 🥶
(via @TheAthletic) pic.twitter.com/mcMheAPoIu
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) August 24, 2021
Ellis lambasted Thomspon, telling him to pass the ball and reminding him that he was just a rookie. In the next possession, Thompson got the ball and drained a three-pointer, which impressed DeGregorio greatly.
“His rookie season, there was a game where Klay took too many 3s for Monta Eliis’ liking… Monta Ellis just ripped into this rookie: ‘you’re taking too many shots. Pass the ball. You’re just a rook’… The very next offensive possession, ball swings, goes to Klay. He takes the first shot and makes a 3. I’m thinking, ‘this kid is an ice-cold killer’.”
Thompson has been away from the NBA for two full seasons now, as he has been dealing with consecutive ACL and Achilles injuries over the last few years.
The last time Thompson played basketball was during the 2019 NBA Finals. Fans are clamoring to see Thompson return to his best next year.