Listing the 5 Most Important Players On the Golden State Warriors

Klay Thompson

May 16, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10, right) consoles shooting guard Klay Thompson (11) during the fourth quarter in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 94-82. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

When the trade rumors surrounding Dwight Howard were full swing and it became obvious that a sign-and-trade would have to include either Harrison Barnes or Klay Thompson along with Andrew Bogut, many of my friends said that they wouldn’t mind giving up Thompson, but Barnes would hurt more. “Why?” I would ask. “What about Splash Brothers and his 34-point game against the Spurs. What about his strong regular season stats?” The answer was simple and unfortunately true; Klay Thompson disappeared for the last four games of the playoffs.

People don’t remember his 34-point game against the San Antonio Spurs or his spectacular shooting during the regular season. They remember that when the Warriors needed him most.

Thompson regressed.

He averaged 10.3 points on 34 percent shooting and only logged 3.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists in an average of 42.7 minutes per game, and is one of the only players whose regular season stats were better than his playoff stats despite receiving more action during the playoffs. Like Bogut and Iguodala, Thompson will play with a chip on his shoulder. He needs to prove that he can be relied on in the crunch and most importantly, learn how to make a layup.