3 Reasons Klay Thompson is hurting the Golden State Warriors

By Tony Pesta | May 26, 2022

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 18: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors warms up prior to Game One against the Dallas Mavericks in the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at Chase Center on May 18, 2022 in San Francisco, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Thompson’s unfamiliarity with his new teammates

I think a larger issue is the lineups Thompson has found himself in. He’s often paired with Jordan Poole as Stephen Curry takes the first shift to the bench, resulting in a 320-minute sample size of a minus-3.6 net for Poole and Thompson.

The dynamic of Poole and Thompson is one that everyone should be excited about. Yet, this potential has mostly gone untapped so far. It’s the type of thing that takes time and right now the awkwardness is still present.

Specifically, Poole and Thompson are not compatible defensively. This two-man group posts the worst defensive rating of any prominent duo featuring Thompson for the Warriors. This can be attributed to Poole’s raw inability to defend his man — a trait that Curry does not get enough credit for.

Let’s not forget, that Thompson had never even played with Poole prior to January. Don’t overlook the likelihood of Thompson’s inconsistencies being due to growing pains.

These drop-offs in production do not happen when Thompson is next to his original teammates such as Stephen Curry, Kevon Looney and Draymond Green.

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