The Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson is on the brink of entering a prestigious club, but he must excel this season to do so.
With the 11th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors selected Klay Thompson from the University of Washington State. Now, a four-time All-Star, Klay Thompson has proven to be a vital contributor in one of the league’s most historic dynasties.
Thompson’s been known most of his career as just a sharpshooter. While he is one of the best snipers to ever play the game, he is also a top-tier defender and all-around scorer. Klay’s averaged 20+ points per game for four straight seasons, solidifying his claim to stardom.
However, unlike teammates Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, Klay has yet to gain entry into one of the league’s most exclusive clubs, the 50/40/90 club.
The 50/40/90 recognizes those that have hit 50% of their field goals, 40% of their three-point attempts and 90% of their free throw attempts. Only seven players have hit the single-season mark.
Thompson could make that eight this season.
Thompson was just 1.2% on his field goals and just under 7% on his free throws away from gaining entry last season. And, while there’s no indication he will raise those levels, a career year from Klay, which he’s primed for with the addition of a fifth star in DeMarcus Cousins, could allow him to reach those levels.
While Thompson’s volume scoring took a hit when the Dubs signed Kevin Durant, his percentages across the board have seen a significant increase.
It’s easy to understand why that might take place too. Durant is a superstar, and playing alongside two legit superstars and three stars altogether, Klay’s looks would be much clearer. For a sniper of Klay’s excellence, a cleaner look means a higher percentage go in.
Now, with five legit stars able to line the court, the Dubs should be able to get Klay into the exclusive club that doesn’t even feature arguably the two greatest players of all time in LeBron James and Michael Jordan.
Will he do it? Who knows, but it should be a high priority for Klay this season.