Can Klay Thompson build off FIBA success next season?

What a turn-around for Klay Thompson.

Initially considered an outsider to make the 2014 FIBA roster, Thompson more than earned his keep throughout the tournament. He averaged 12.7 points per game (second on the team behind James Harden) on 52 percent shooting, and 41 percent from three-point range, which is nothing short of downright impressive.

His play earned him very high praise from managing director Jerry Colangelo and head coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Regarding Klay’s play and persona, Colangelo remarked:

"“And that makes him so competitive, and he has gotten down his trade — which is shooting the ball. It’s an art form. There are very few people you’d rather have with their hands in the ball in terms of eventually shooting it than Klay. Coming off curls, coming off picks, this guy is just terrific. … I think he’s going to get better and better.”"

Coach K added:

"“(Thompson) has been, really, as good a player as we’ve had. He’s consistent. Everyone had talked about his offense, but he has been consistently excellent on the defensive end. The fact that he’s tall, he’s been able to play defense on the one, two, and three. He’s become our most versatile defender. … He’s had a terrific stay with us.”"

Live Feed

Dejounte Murray rips NBA 2K after Atlanta Hawks ratings reveal /

Soaring Down South

Jordan Poole will be the most intriguing storyline in the NBA next seasonWiz of Awes

Pacers’ Bennedict Mathurin working out with 4-time NBA Champion8 Points, 9 Seconds

3 possible closing lineup ideas for Warriors next seasonFanSided

NBA rumors: Klay to Bahamas, Lack of Lillard suitors explained, Sixers good vibesFanSided

1 advantage the Warriors have over each Pacific Division teamFanSided

Warriors fans and the greater NBA community should expect that Thompson will carry this positive momentum into the next NBA season. While it’s expected he’ll inevitably play with a chip on his shoulder in an effort to prove himself, his contributions on a loaded FIBA roster further justify how far he’s come as a player. On the Warriors’ roster, he will definitely be more of a focal point than he was this off-season. Steve Kerr will be sure to have a few sets tailor-made to run Thompson off baseline and elbow screens for open catch and shoot looks.

Klay is also very excited about the Warriors’ offensive potential for next year. After the Gold Medal game concluded, Sam Amick of USA Today Sports, interviewed him:

Q: It seemed like that was one of management’s gripes, that the offense should have been better than it was considering the talent. You think there could be an uptick there now?

A: I think it could be great. I feel we have to get (small forward) Andre (Iguodala) a little bit more involved handling the ball, because he’s so good at passing and at times we kind of just let him be a spot-up shooter last year, which is not his game. He’s a great playmaker.

We’ve got great passing big men, from Draymond (Green) to (David Lee) to (Andrew) Bogut. All three of those guys can pass from the high post and low post, and Harrison (Barnes) has a really high ceiling and is just tapping into what he can do. He’s only 22 years old.

Of course we know what Steph (Curry) can do. I think (Kerr) is going to try and take some of the pressure off Steph a little bit as far as not running him through a pick and roll every time down the floor, and (having) other guys let him come off screens spot-up a little bit. Get him some fresh legs, get him a little break.”

You can read the entire interview here.

Home/Warriors News