Klay Thompson, the Golden State Warriors starting shooting guard, ranked 22nd on Sports Illustrated’s Top 100 NBA Players of 2019 list.
The four-time All-Star was given a rather intriguing explanation for his ranking. Ben Golliver, a national NBA writer for SI, said this about Klay Thompson.
This quote is just an excerpt of the full article which can be read here.
"Place Thompson on a team with average talent and a need for him to play a leading role, and there’s no telling exactly how things would turn out. His limitations as an off-the-dribble creator and a playmaker for others would show through quickly, and his efficiency would surely dip with lower-percentage looks. How hard would he need to work to get open without Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant? Would his occasional streakiness be held against him more often if he was the No. 1 option? Would his pressure defense be held in the same regard if Draymond Green wasn’t behind him to play clean up? These are intriguing questions, but they will remain hypotheticals for the foreseeable future thanks to Thompson’s willingness to sacrifice in Ginobili-like fashion. Here in reality, he’s bound to keep swishing threes and stacking rings in his perfect role with the champs.More from Blue Man Hoop3x champion may come to regret forgoing Golden State Warriors reunionGolden State Warriors: History shows USA may need Stephen Curry for more than the Olympics7 players Golden State Warriors might replace Klay Thompson with by the trade deadlineGolden State Warriors villain pours on more pain to end USA’s World CupGolden State Warriors: Stephen Curry continues philanthropic efforts off the court"
There’s been quite a bit of speculation over Klay Thompson and his future plans. The Los Angeles Lakers are seemingly going to make a hard push for the sharpshooter this offseason. His loyalty will be tested, but the Bay is all he’s known. So, it’s assumed he’ll stay long-term.
However, he was born and raised in Los Angeles. That to say, the future of the Dubs will be up in the air this upcoming offseason.
For Thompson, over his first seven professional seasons, he’s seen significant growth in both his offensive and defensive abilities. He’s gone from strictly a spot-up shooter to having a craftiness about his game, being able to score over 20 points per game for four consecutive seasons.
As Golliver explains, we’ve also yet to see the full power of Thompson. Playing alongside an MVP candidate in Stephen Curry and now another MVP candidate in Kevin Durant, Thompson’s excellent play has often times been overshadowed, but could that be a good thing?
He’s been able to play to his strengths.
Thompson’s offensive limitations have been overshadowed by Curry’s excellence. He’s showcased elite shooting, the trait Thompson’s always possessed. Averaging 3.1 threes per game. Thompson ranks among the NBA’s top sharpshooters.
Add on being an elite defender, and it’s clear Thompson is worthy of his top-25 ranking.
22, unlike Boogie’s 68, seems to be a very respectful ranking for Thompson. We applaud you for your excellence, S/I. Now, let’s see where they rank Curry and Durant. Both clearly in the top-10, we should know (and have written on it) in the near future.