NBA Finals Preview: Shooting Guard
May 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) celebrates after making a three-point basket while being fouled during the fourth quarter in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Grizzlies 98-78. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors)
Of course, any shooting guard preview must necessarily begin with a discussion on Klay Thompson’s availability. Thompson, who was diagnosed with a concussion following a knee to the head in Golden State’s series clinching game, must pass the leagues mandated concussion protocol before being cleared for action. Although the NBA isn’t terribly transparent with regard to specifics, there are a few things we known for certain.
Prior to each season, every player undergoes a baseline test of his resting brain function. After being diagnosed with a concussion, a player is held out of action until he has no appreciable difference from his pre-season baseline neurological exam. This protocol involves several steps of increasing exertion, starting with an exercise bike and moving progressively toward full speed, non-contact drills. While the team physician makes the ultimate determination of readiness, impartial NBA doctors are heavily involved in the process.
According to reports, Klay is confident that he will get cleared in the coming days. Klay spent this past Sunday afternoon taking in a sun-filled A’s game at O Co Coliseum. The fact that Klay feels comfortable spending a few hours sitting in a sunny, loud coliseum, bodes well. Additionally, he was a participant at practice Monday. Nothing is certain until the final go ahead has been granted, but things certainly look positive at the moment.
It does bear noting that J.R. Smith is known for having, to put it mildly, a reckless disregard for player safety.
For the sake of discussion, we will assume that Klay gets cleared in time for game 1 on Thursday.
If one thing has been made abundantly clear this season, its that regardless of how well teams play him, Klay will inevitably have open looks from behind the arc. The Warriors simply play too well in transition, have too much half-court movement and are too adept at finding shooters in loose ball situations.
In the game and a half preceding his concussion, Klay appeared to finally be reverting into form after struggling for much of the post season. Whether or not his blow to the head has prolonged adverse effects is a crucial question that will certainly get answered. Head trauma notwithstanding, Klay has made enough clutch shots over the past few seasons to earn the benefit of the doubt in a big series. Expect a healthy Klay to get it going from behind the arc.
What the Warriors can expect from Klay with the ball in his hands depends on how the Cavs allocate their defensive assignments. If the Cavs plan on having Iman Shumpert check Curry for any substantial period, Klay must take advantage of his matchup. Making his defender work on the defensive end with aggressive drives and occasional post ups is the best way to limit his effectiveness. Shumpert does have the defensive skill set to limit Klay’s play making ability should they be matched up. Shumpert is exceptionally good at guarding the 3pt line, and also moves well laterally. This is a tough match up for Klay. If the Cavs choose to go this route, Klay will have to pick his spots and let the game come to him.
At times this season, and during the post season, Klay has gotten flustered when teams have taken away his ability to penetrate. He will have to exercise a sort of cautious aggressiveness if he wants to avoid forcing the action. If Klay can make quick, decisive decisions, taking what the defense allows, he should be able to contribute close to his normal levels, even while being defended by Shumpert.
Next: J.R. Smith