Golden State Warriors: How each starter impacts the game

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 29: Stephen Curry #30 high fives Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors during the game against the Chicago Bulls on October 29, 2018 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 29: Stephen Curry #30 high fives Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors during the game against the Chicago Bulls on October 29, 2018 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

4. Klay Thompson

Klay Thompson has proven to be one of the greatest third options in NBA history. Thompson could be plugged into any offense in the NBA and have an instant impact as a pure 3-point shooter. His catch-and-shoot accuracy is on par with the best shooters to ever play and his range is unprecedented.

So far this season, Thompson has had a few rough shooting nights. Despite this, he is still averaging 20.5 points per game and has been shooting 50.0 percent from deep in his last four games.

Because of this, Thompson’s impact on offense is unheard of. He is a constant threat to catch fire from deep and this means opposing teams most devote maximum energy to running him off the line. Unfortunately for other teams, Klay can score in a number of different ways and simply covering the 3-point line isn’t enough.

In addition to his offense, Thompson has actually turned into an above average defender. His perimeter defense is something that has played a huge role in the Warriors success. Klay has provided lockdown defense on some of the best guards in the league.