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Is Golden State Warriors’ superstar Klay Thompson underrated?

By Nathan Beighle

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 26: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates an offensive foul by Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers in the first half during Game Six of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 26: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates an offensive foul by Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers in the first half during Game Six of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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. /
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The Golden State Warriors have created one of the best dynasties in league history, and Klay Thompson has been one of the team’s few cornerstones.

With the 11th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors selected Klay Thompson, a shooting guard from the University of Washington.

Since that pick, the Warriors organization was never the same. Starting 29 games in his first season, Thompson immediately changed the way the team played, helping provide stability on the defensive end.

When Monta Ellis was dealt and Thompson was freed up as a starter in the backcourt, his hard work was put in the spotlight. It wasn’t too long before he was partially responsible for the team winning their first divisional title in almost 40 years.

Thompson has done the unthinkable as he’s rivaled Stephen Curry for the team’s best shooter.

However, he seldomly gets the same type of accolades as the two-time MVP. Having averaged over 20 points per game the last five seasons, Thompson’s love for the game has been on full display, and it’s caught the attention of one NBA legend.

That legend, Jerry West, has watched Thompson up close for years and understands just how much he’s put in while he “never seeks the spotlight.”

https://twitter.com/NBCSWarriors/status/1285044916184395784

Since it doesn’t look like the whole graphic can be easily seen, here is what Thompson wrote on the photo by ClutchPoints.

“I’ll never [forget] working out in front of Jerry back in 2011. And ever since then he knows I’m about that life #realGsmoveinsilence #webeenworkin,” Klay Thompson wrote on his Instagram Story.

He’s never sought the spotlight, and he even acknowledges that he moves in silence. Does that lead one to believe that Thompson is underrated among the mainstream media?

Part of me wants to say yes, but it really does depend. Entering the 2018-2019 season, Thompson was ranked the 19th-best player by ESPN. He was behind Draymond Green and Ben Simmons. He has a much greater impact on both ends of the court than both those two.

At the same time, HoopsHype claimed Thompson was the second-best shooting guard entering that same season. Thompson did tear his ACL in the 2019 NBA Finals, leaving him off the bulk of rankings prior to this most recent season.

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With five All-Star appearances and three championships, Thompson will go down as one of the best two-way players in the NBA. He’s certainly been the best possible complement to superstar guard Stephen Curry as well.

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