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Golden State Warriors should be grateful for Klay Thompson’s greatness

By Nathan Beighle

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 17: Klay Thompson #11 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors look on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 17, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 17: Klay Thompson #11 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors look on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 17, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Even before Stephen Curry’s injury, the Golden State Warriors were hit with the hard reality that Klay Thompson was going to miss the bulk of the season.

It’s been a tough start to the season for the Golden State Warriors.

Aside from losing Klay Thompson until at least mid-March, they’ve lost Stephen Curry for the next three months. We haven’t even mentioned the impact of losing four-time scoring champ Kevin Durant in free agency.

All-in-all, the team’s play to start the season should make the Warriors’ fanbase a bit more thankful for the iron man that Thompson has been for just under a decade. He’s quietly been the best possible compliment for two-time MVP Stephen Curry.

For five straight seasons, Thompson has averaged a few incredible stats that should easily prove his value.

Let’s start with points per game. He’s put up over 20 points per game in five straight seasons. Only a handful of players can say the same.

How about his percentages? Oh, yeah, Thompson has shot over 40% from downtown in each of his professional seasons as well. He’s been within four percent of 50% from the field as well which is certainly respectable for a shooting guard.

We don’t even have to mention his defense, which is among the best in the league as the two. He was the difference in this team’s average defense from a season ago and their absolutely horrific defensive to start this season, giving up 120 or more points in their first five games.

He’s done everything management has asked him to do from taking a backseat upon Durant’s arrival to guarding the league’s best players although he may end up on their next poster. He’s truly been a gem for Dub Nation.

It’s easy to look at Thompson and forget what he brings to this team. While he may not come back this season with Golden State likely out of the playoff race come March, fans must keep his legacy alive till he gets back on the court next season.

Next. Top 25 Golden State Warriors in franchise history. dark

Thompson is one of the best two guards in the league, and when mentioning his greatness, we need to remember just how impactful he’s been for this franchise.

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