Klay Thompson’s Injury and his Potential Replacements
Mar 14, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) dribbles the ball against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Knicks 125-94. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Shaun Livingston
The last and probably most extreme option would be to start Shaun Livingston at shooting guard alongside Curry. This isn’t likely to happen even though Livingston is a great defender and excellent playmaker, as he is even more valuable as Curry’s backup. You will see Livingston play lots of minutes with Curry in crunch time but he is most effective if he is not playing “starters’” minutes.
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“Promoting” Livingston into the starting lineup would also hurt the strength of the bench. The Warriors’ second unit has become increasingly reliant on Livingston and Andre Iguodala’s playmaking skills, starting Livingston would harm their chemistry. It would be better to promote Barbosa or Holiday to the starting lineup, as it doesn’t mess with the bench chemistry.
There is no question that losing Thompson is a big blow to this team. He is their best perimeter defender and three point shooter but the Warriors should be fine in his absence. While injuries are never good, this may be the best time for this to occur. The Warriors are up seven games in the Western Conference over the Memphis Grizzlies and now would be the perfect time for Thompson to get some much needed rest. The Warriors may lose a few games in his absence but it is more important for him to be completely healthy for the postseason. The Warriors defense may suffer and the three point shooting may not be as potent but this team has bigger goals and a healthy Klay Thompson will be needed to reach them.