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Warriors: The best version of Klay Thompson could come out next season

By Nathan Beighle

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 02: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the third quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game One of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 02, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 02: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the third quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game One of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 02, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Klay Thompson returned midway through the 2021-2022 season, missing the entire first half of the season and not returning until the new calendar year.

He made an impact on both sides of the court and had several big-time performances that ultimately resulted in the Warriors winning the 2022 NBA Finals. Without Thompson, that might not have been possible.

The Warriors needed Klay Thompson to win the NBA Finals, and with a full season to become physically and mentally right, the best may be yet to come.

But, with that in mind, a full offseason to recover and prepare for the new year might bring the best yet out of the five-time All-Star guard.

Thompson will enter the season 32 years old, so he should still be in the back half of his prime. Even after his two-year hiatus, Thompson didn’t lose the touch, averaging 20.4 points per game throughout his 32 performances during the regular season.

He shot 43% from the field and 38.5% from deep, the former the second-lowest and the latter the lowest of his career. Those should be expected to improve to the mean this coming season as well.

Thompson played in under 30 minutes per game for the first time since his rookie season. With two seasons left on his contract, Thompson should have the desire to earn another big payday, and showcasing his dominance will go a long way to getting a fresh extension.

Thompson put up similar numbers in the postseason, averaging 19 points per game on almost the exact same shooting splits.

He knocked down 3.5 triples per game and had three games in which he had 7 or more triples. Thompson scored 30 in Game 6 against Memphis and then 32 in Game 5 against Dallas, both close-out games for the Warriors.

His play went a long way in their success, and considering he still had to pick back up to the speed of the NBA, the offseason should provide him time to get his rhythm back and return even stronger.

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With the NBA experience under his belt and a quintessential understanding of his role in the offense, Thompson may be set up for his best season yet.

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