3 Ways Klay Thompson’s return will change Golden State Warriors

Another defensive wing

The Golden State Warriors would not have won three championships last season if it was not for their game-breaking defense. As revolutionary as they were on offense, their ability to seamlessly adjust to their opponents and shut down shop was arguably just as important. If not more important.

At the core of it all was Draymond Green of course. However, it was always a team effort and no one outside of Green had a more routine impact than Klay Thompson.

Although Stephen Curry is a net-positive defender at this stage in his career, there was a time when he was a liability. In those days, the Warriors were able to thrive regardless due to Thompson’s tenacity to accept the challenge of guarding the other team’s best perimeter threat.

It is remarkable when you think about it. Thompson was not only sprinting around screens for the entire game but also exerting himself to the limit on defense. His length and fundamental understanding of the game allowed Klay to wreak havoc on opponents.

The Warriors should not be counting on Thompson to hit the hardwood and clamp up from day one. This will take time and it is unclear how restricted his mobility could be after consecutive injuries.

Nevertheless, the Dubs are cooking up quite the collection of defenders. Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Otto Porter, Andre Iguodala, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Damion Lee, Draymond Green and Gary Payton II is a damn scary rotation to face.