Klay Thompson is in the NBA Finals for the 6th time in 8 seasons, and in the two seasons that his team didn’t make it to the last step, he was injured. The Warriors guard has been elite during the playoffs, continuing his recovery from injury, Thompson has enjoyed some excellent shooting nights, and he is shooting 40% on 8.8 three-pointers per game, and is only behind one man in terms of three-pointers made in the playoffs.
Steph Curry earned his title as the most excellent shooter in NBA history this season, surpassing Ray Allen for most made three-pointers in a career, and earning the moniker for good. However, JJ Redick believes that while Curry is definitely at the top for shooters, Klay Thompson is in second place on the all-time list.
“I’ve always been a big Klay Thompson fan. He’s someone that I’ve had to chase and guard for many, many games. Just have the utmost respect for him, his ability to bounce back from a serious knee injury, an Achilles tear.
“We always talk about how great of a shooter Steph Curry is and he is, he’s the greatest shooter ever. When it’s all said and done, I really believe this, Klay Thompson is the second greatest shooter ever.”
Thompson returned after missing over two full seasons of basketball with horrific injuries in consecutive years but is still somehow performing at an elite level, the mark of a truly great player.
If he can stay healthy next season, then Thompson, who is currently 18th on the all-time made three-pointers list, will surely move close to breaking into the Top 10 by the end of next season. While accolades will come only if time and injury allow it, another championship for the Golden State Warriors and some huge performances by Thompson would make it even more difficult a statement for others to dispute.
