Is Klay Thompson overrated?

[Coxy]

Klay has been a pretty good post player, and his post up turn around is pretty good over smaller guys.

And he has put the ball on the floor more than in the past. He's shooting lots of midrange shots that are rimming out around the lane.

He does need to be a bit more consistent. He does need to not take such quick shots all the time. To me, I love his quick release, but don't like the rushed shots, and his quick release has probably lead him to believe that those shots are ok.

The amount of improvement in Draymonds handle proves to me, that putting in the proper work can make a difference. I'd like to see Klay improve on his for sure. It's possible.

Finally I'd like to see Klay pass the ball a bit better. His assist totals are way to low for a guy who has the ball as much as he does. His dad has always claimed that Klay played pg at a young age, but Klay is most often the last one to touch the ball.

When Curry's out, it would be nice for Klay to get his other guys more involved. They tend to stand and watch once the ball gets to Klay. A bit more creation or passing from him, could lead to more open looks for others. Draymond found this after the Dallas game.

Draymondos performances after the Dallas game says so much to me about his IQ as a person, not just a basketball player. I actually believe Draymond Green could one day become a TOP NBA coach. He gets adjustments, player strengths and team basketball.

Dray must have Aussie in his blood.

[Mylie10]

In the 16 games since Barnes went down, Klay is 136 for 283, or 48.1% shooting overall (17.7 FGA/game) and 63 of 142 from 3 pt. (44.4%). Seems like he's stepped it up and that some of the reason for Klay's PPS being lower is Barnes' higher usage. You can see that Klay has slowly climbed to top 19 in scoring, with about 7 players in immediate reach. I don't see the basis to be criticizing his play.

For the most part, ok... but putting aside raw numbers, there are some things lacking at times, in certain situations. Klay was not good in the waning moments of the Denver game. Its fair to discuss some of those areas where he needs to get better. Its kind of cool that he's not yet a finished product.

I'm with you on this years body of work being just fine. And his mere presence on the floor does so much more for others, than many can't see it....especially if Klay struggles with a few things.

But the guy could stand improvement here and there, and I hope he puts the time in to get better. None of these guys should ever be complacent.

[Mylie10]

Klay has been a pretty good post player, and his post up turn around is pretty good over smaller guys.

And he has put the ball on the floor more than in the past. He's shooting lots of midrange shots that are rimming out around the lane.

He does need to be a bit more consistent. He does need to not take such quick shots all the time. To me, I love his quick release, but don't like the rushed shots, and his quick release has probably lead him to believe that those shots are ok.

The amount of improvement in Draymonds handle proves to me, that putting in the proper work can make a difference. I'd like to see Klay improve on his for sure. It's possible.

Finally I'd like to see Klay pass the ball a bit better. His assist totals are way to low for a guy who has the ball as much as he does. His dad has always claimed that Klay played pg at a young age, but Klay is most often the last one to touch the ball.

When Curry's out, it would be nice for Klay to get his other guys more involved. They tend to stand and watch once the ball gets to Klay. A bit more creation or passing from him, could lead to more open looks for others. Draymond found this after the Dallas game.

Draymondos performances after the Dallas game says so much to me about his IQ as a person, not just a basketball player. I actually believe Draymond Green could one day become a TOP NBA coach. He gets adjustments, player strengths and team basketball.

Dray must have Aussie in his blood.

I heard Draymond specifically renounce having sex with Roo's...so there's literally no way he could have Auusie in his blood. Nice try...#detroitstrong.

[turk3d]

Having said that, the fact is that he was starting all star 2 guard last year (well deserved imo) and I thought the best 2-way plaer at the position. However, not this year (part of which was probably his injury early on the season) and not even sure that he should all stars this year and definitely not starter worthy.

Why do you say that? Klay's numbers are pretty much identical to what he had last year in his all star year, except for PPS, which is a direct result of the fewer shots he's took earlier in the season.

Not quite (down somewhat in 3 pt%, assists and steals slightly and way down in ft%). But I'm not basing that opinion on stats, more observation. He came out really slow this season (as I said part due to injury) and has more recently come on strong (which I believe is helping to get his numbers up, before his fg% was way down if I'm not mistaken).

But the area where I think he's really fallen off is defense, which he seems to have picked up lately. To me, that's what separates him for the Harden types and what puts him in the category of top 2 guard, it's his defense which (unlike his offense some times) was very consistent last season.

[ChuckS]

I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet. (Saadi)

I believe I know better, so I do not particularly care if others believe Klay is over-rated and not earning his money. I'm just thankful we have him. And I'm certainly not going to argue with those detractors who claim he should do more because of his $16 mil after they proposed that Barnes be paid $23 Mil. That would be futile, IMO. I think it even funny that when Steph came back from his injury and played poorly before being injured again, some suggested he might have returned too soon. When Klay did the same (In the Milwaukee game) he was criticized for being "rested" and still not performing well. I definitely cannot argue with anyone who wants a player to improve. I just think it is premature to allege he has not done so, or regressed. because of his early season, somewhat prolonged back problems.

In effect I cannot support the vitriol being spewed in the name of tough love, particularly with his obviously positive affect on this team and his positive numbers. He's still considered one of the league's most proficient shooters. That's actually nice for a shooting guard. His defense has certainly not regressed. Last year, per 82 games.com, he had an opponent PER of 10.7, which is the equivalent to walking on water. (That was second on the team to only Dre's 10.0). He had an own/opponent differential of 11.3, second only to Steph's 15.4. [No one else on the team was even close. Dray had a 3.7 (which will change it seems this year), and Dre had a 3.4.]

I see a shooting guard who is a fantastic shooter and elite defender. Others struggle to find imperfections. If he were a power forward I too might be unhappy with only 3.5 boards per, and if he were a point or ball control guard maybe only two assists per would be more of a problem. He is actually exactly what this team needs, and any team would covet, in a two, but is being made out to be subpar. Perhaps our success after having so many mediocrities in the past has spoiled some.

There are so many other things I felt were wrong, misleading, or beyond disingenuous, in this thread. But other, longer and more respected, posters have already responded better than I could...with little success it seems. Just add me to the list of blindly stupid loyalists.

[a8bil]

he averaged 16/4 (51%TS) in NBA finals, so Klay does disappear in big games where he was needed the most.

Klay was the only player outside of Curry that was being defended. They were literally leaving Iguodala, Green, and Barnes wide open.

GTFO!

so if a player was defended, he is allowed to be bad? really?

I hope you are joking. Defense does matter you know. Even LeBron shot under 40% against the W's in the finals, with one game where he was 11/35 and another where he was 7/22. Was he "bad"...no he was well defended, as was Klay who was covered by Shumpert, who is arguably the Cavs best defender. Take any star in this league and I'll show you games where their efficiency goes down when they match against good defenders. In the finals, with Klay getting the attention he was, it was the job of others to step up and score.

[turk3d]

I'd like to make another point regarding Klay. One of his biggest problems is at time he makes some bad decisions. And again, like I said earlier he will get better at that over time, once he has more experience. People seem to forget how many bad decisions Steph used to make before coming of age. That's one thing that takes time in sports, learning to make the right play at the right time and not the wrong play.And that doesn't diminish his value to the team or his tremendous talent and ability.

Even Dray has had problems with that (making good decisions, such as when to drive and when to pass) up until recently where's he's finally seemed to figure it out after having problems with it even this season at times. Same goes for HB who was finally improving in that regard until he was hurt this season.

This is just the normal progression for an NBA player, even those who turn out to be the great ones in many cases. I've always said that Klay's worse enemy is himself and I'll repeat myself. Can he get better? Yes, I hope so. But is he some kind of a scrub? Absolutely not and has the ability to get back to being #1 at his position.

[a8bil]

I'd like to make another point regarding Klay. One of his biggest problems is at time he makes some bad decisions. And again, like I said earlier he will get better at that over time, once he has more experience. People seem to forget how many bad decisions Steph used to make before coming of age. That's one thing that takes time in sports, learning to make the right play at the right time and not the wrong play.And that doesn't diminish his value to the team or his tremendous talent and ability.

Even Dray has had problems with that (making good decisions, such as when to drive and when to pass) up until recently where's he's finally seemed to figure it out after having problems with it even this season at times. Same goes for HB who was finally improving in that regard until he was hurt this season.

This is just the normal progression for an NBA player, even those who turn out to be the great ones in many cases. I've always said that Klay's worse enemy is himself and I'll repeat myself. Can he get better? Yes, I hope so. But is he some kind of a scrub? Absolutely not and has the ability to get back to being #1 at his position.

Every player has room to grow...I think Tim Ryan on KNBR said recently that if you're not improving in pro sports, the end of your career is in sight.

I don't think any fan of Klay...even the most ardent ones...would say he could not improve aspects of his game, but too many on this thread refuse to recognize how good he already is. He gives you great perimeter defense, he's able to switch and play good D on anyone 1-4, and he's one of the best shooters in the league, particularly from the 3. For our team, those are crucial qualities as it allows us to play the switching defense we employ, and on offense, he keeps the passing lanes open. For our team, I can't think of a better 2 than Klay. Klay might struggle if he was asked to play Harden's game, but in the same manner, I think Harden would struggle if asked to play Klay's game.

If Klay could work on one thing, I think it is his finishing around the rim. He doesn't draw contact particularly well, and when he tries to avoid contact, he's contorting his body in a way that he often loses his touch on the ball. I think if Klay were more adept at finishing, he'ld try it more often and give himself more shooting space outside.

[turk3d]

i think the problem some have with klay is his lack of consistency (must admit that sometimes I even find it a bit frustrating) and I believe that a big part of the problem is that he's set the bar so high for himself with the season he had last year which is unfortunate. I think people (as you seem to suggest) have to recognize that he's still relatively young and is going to have those ups and downs due to lack of experience.

We've very fortunate to be able to overcome "bad days" for our guys most of the time because we have so many talented players who can pick up the slack. One thing I'd like to see from Klay which would be relatively simple for him to do, is to tone things down a bit when he's having an off day. If he did that, I don't think fans wouldn't be as frustrated during his "off nights" and they might not be as impactful.

BTW, that's one of the things that Steph has learned to do, when he's having an off shooting night (of which he's had a few) he goes to other parts of his game, and will have a tendency to even shoot less and try to get the ball to the hot hand if there is one. If not, then he may go ham, but is more interested in winning games than getting his individual stats which is a sign of great maturity.

[bakesale]

But let's get to the issue at hand.
I've gone over this before and I'll go over it again. You constantly complain that he's streaky but name me one high volume 3 point shooter; let's say in the top 20 for 3 point attempts in the NBA who has been less streaky than Klay (aside from Curry). I'll wait.

Klay made no improvement this season, and he is actually worse than last season. That's the complain. If you make the top $ on the team and is young, you should be making improvement over the summer.

You know what? He had a bad first month of the season. I won't deny that. But he had a hell of a December. Let's remember that we aren't even half way through the season yet. If he maintains his level of play from December for the rest of the season his end of season stats WILL be an improvement on the year before. IF he somehow reverts back to how he was playing in November then yes he will show that he's gotten worse instead of better.

Now I don't know Klay personally but the feeling I get from watching him over the years is that he loves what he does and he appears to work his ass off. He's also 25. Even the ever salty Mark Jackson has REPEATEDLY said even well after having coached Klay is that he NEVER had to worry about Klay in terms of how hard he worked on his game. He always says "that's one guy I don't have to worry about". And that's coming from a guy who knows Klay a **** tonne more than any of us ever has or ever will. Coming from a guy who comes across as a bitter ex boyfriend most of the time, this is high praise.

So, with that in mind what do you think is more likely? That he reverts back to how he was in November and eventually has a worse season than last season? Or that he plays more like he did in December and thus at the end of the season shows a season of improvement?

As for the complaint about the money he makes. He was a legitimate All Star last season. He's not like Damian Lillard who was a borderline all star and really only made it because Kobe was injured. Despite just barely being an all star Last season; based on that season alone Lillard got a contract for $25 million a year... If there's one player you can legitimately complain about being overrated and overpaid it's Lillard.

But back to my point at hand Klay was a legitimate All Star last season on a Western Conference team packed to the brim with absolute Superstars. The only change I would've made to last year's team (aside from Lillard) is that I think Kawhi should've made it over Duncan. Oh and I think Dirk like Duncan also got in due to "legend" status and was an iffy pick at best.

Just to remind you of all the Superstars that made the West All Stars that I haven't already mentioned:
Griffin, Marc Gasol, Davis, Aldridge, Cousins, Durant, Harden, CP3 and Westbrook. Klay Thompson made the All Star team amongst this list of Superstars. Virtually all of whom make a great deal more than Klay. And you are complaining about Klay's contract?????
You're kidding me right?

[sjballer03]

"But but he's making 70 million!"

Dirk has made significantly more money, if you are using that as a reference for your 70 mil?

Lol sorry, my reply should've been in green font. Some people here are bent over shape about Klay's salary. Which is even stupider when you consider that 70 mil is nothing in today's nba.

Also, it's nice to see how the Klay "loyalists" are better able to articulate his faults than the detractors who spew their same tired diatribe over and over.

[cladden]

No one says he's a scrub. He is doing what he's supposed to as the $18m man. He has a good game.

For those telling ppl to eat crow after his performance today, this is like his first good game, or first good minutes without Steph this whole season. Bucks game, Mavs game and this game. That's like showing up 1/3 of the big games which he is needed.

I will eat crow gladly when he actually consistently shows up when needed / without Steph etc.

Why doesnt the SG with minimal iso skills score more without our one consistent shot creator? Does it need further explanation?

Let's throw a party for Klay's first productive 40 minutes without Steph this season. Yay!

Btw I so hope he proves me wrong in the next 500 minutes so I don't need to watch the Klay in the Mavs and Bucks game where he hid under the rock.

It shows the team's structure is there for Klay to get points. The difference between tonight and his bad performance is whether he goes after it and play like he is capable of.

After so many years and a $70m contract I am amazed that this board still need to help Klay find excuses when he doesn't show up when he is needed.

So all the tons of games we've won, in no small part due to Klay's excellent performances (even if Steph of course also has been there doing his thing) is not in Klay's job description?

[cladden]

I liked the fact that Klay grabbed 7 rebounds. Not so happy about zero assists, but based on the fact that we had 35 assists and Klay had 38 points it stands to reason that he was a huge part of that high assist total.

People forget the incredible amount of work he puts in defensively, as well as the amount of running he puts in on offense.

I think I'd like him to be more consistent on offense, but the guy is working his butt off. The only time I want to smack him is when he forces shots, as others have mentioned.

I used to really critique him in the past. But I have to say, the mere presence of Klay on the floor helps our overall offense tremendously. Even when inconsistent.

Consistency comes with less high-scoring games too. Take someone like David Lee. In his prime with us when he averaged about 20 he still almost never scored 30. There's some upside to that since you kinda know what you're getting but Klay has been a huge part of putting teams away with hot shooting for a quarter here and there in a way that a more consistent player probably wouldn't.

If the averages are great (and they are if we cut out the injured November part) and he has some stinkers it just means he's had a lot of great games as well. It's not a given that that is so bad.

[a8bil]

I liked the fact that Klay grabbed 7 rebounds. Not so happy about zero assists, but based on the fact that we had 35 assists and Klay had 38 points it stands to reason that he was a huge part of that high assist total.

People forget the incredible amount of work he puts in defensively, as well as the amount of running he puts in on offense.

I think I'd like him to be more consistent on offense, but the guy is working his butt off. The only time I want to smack him is when he forces shots, as others have mentioned.

I used to really critique him in the past. But I have to say, the mere presence of Klay on the floor helps our overall offense tremendously. Even when inconsistent.

Consistency comes with less high-scoring games too. Take someone like David Lee. In his prime with us when he averaged about 20 he still almost never scored 30. There's some upside to that since you kinda know what you're getting but Klay has been a huge part of putting teams away with hot shooting for a quarter here and there in a way that a more consistent player probably wouldn't.

If the averages are great (and they are if we cut out the injured November part) and he has some stinkers it just means he's had a lot of great games as well. It's not a given that that is so bad.

I agree, but dont buy into likashing's narrative. I have previously compared Klay to players that Likashing is more than willing to knob polish and they are consistently as or more "inconsistent" than Klay.

Take Jimmy Butler last year. Out of 65 games, he had 19 games at 40% shooting or less, and 9 games at 30% or less shooting. This year, 32 games into the season, he's at 12 games at 40% or less and 5 at 30% or less--that's on pace for 31 and 13 over the entire year.

By contrast, last year out of 77 games (12 more than Butler) Klay had 21 games at 40% or less and 8 at 30% or less. This year Klay is at 10 and 3. So, Butler who many players claim is much better than Klay because of his ability to drive the hoop (and presumably score even when he has an off shooting night) is less consistent than Klay.

Consider further, Paul George this year has 13 games under 40% and 6 under 30% (on pace for 33 games under 40% and 15 games under 30%), and in 2013-14, over 80 games, George was 36 games at 40% or less and 14 at 30% or less. George is comically less consistent than Klay, but Likashing bashes Klay for being too "inconsistent," while claiming George is a bonafide superstar. LOL. What a joke.

Every player in this league has stinkers, and many of them have them when the game is on the line. No one is immune from this, but the detractors on this thread want to make it like Klay is the only player that doesn't shoot to his avg every night. Their arguments are pure BS and are reflective only of a bizarre axe they have to grind against Klay.

[a8bil]

repeat

[likashing]

a8bil's logic is that Butler and George and Dirk have stinker games, while being the alpha on their teams.

Klay has stinker games as at most the #3 guy on the team after Steph and Draymond.

Conclusion Klay is the same level as those guys.

:lol

Reminder: those guys get full attention from their opponents and their best defender.

Any slight attention Klay gets by a half decent defender (Shump?). He disappears the whole series offensively.

And again and again, no one complains on Klay's numbers when he is riding Steph's coattail.

But it's fine, you can believe whatever you want. Have a nice day.

[turk3d]

I liked the fact that Klay grabbed 7 rebounds. Not so happy about zero assists, but based on the fact that we had 35 assists and Klay had 38 points it stands to reason that he was a huge part of that high assist total.

People forget the incredible amount of work he puts in defensively, as well as the amount of running he puts in on offense.

I think I'd like him to be more consistent on offense, but the guy is working his butt off. The only time I want to smack him is when he forces shots, as others have mentioned.

I used to really critique him in the past. But I have to say, the mere presence of Klay on the floor helps our overall offense tremendously. Even when inconsistent.

Consistency comes with less high-scoring games too. Take someone like David Lee. In his prime with us when he averaged about 20 he still almost never scored 30. There's some upside to that since you kinda know what you're getting but Klay has been a huge part of putting teams away with hot shooting for a quarter here and there in a way that a more consistent player probably wouldn't.

If the averages are great (and they are if we cut out the injured November part) and he has some stinkers it just means he's had a lot of great games as well. It's not a given that that is so bad.

I agree, but dont buy into likashing's narrative. I have previously compared Klay to players that Likashing is more than willing to knob polish and they are consistently as or more "inconsistent" than Klay.

Take Jimmy Butler last year. Out of 65 games, he had 19 games at 40% shooting or less, and 9 games at 30% or less shooting. This year, 32 games into the season, he's at 12 games at 40% or less and 5 at 30% or less--that's on pace for 31 and 13 over the entire year.

By contrast, last year out of 77 games (12 more than Butler) Klay had 21 games at 40% or less and 8 at 30% or less. This year Klay is at 10 and 3. So, Butler who many players claim is much better than Klay because of his ability to drive the hoop (and presumably score even when he has an off shooting night) is less consistent than Klay.

Consider further, Paul George this year has 13 games under 40% and 6 under 30% (on pace for 33 games under 40% and 15 games under 30%), and in 2013-14, over 80 games, George was 36 games at 40% or less and 14 at 30% or less. George is comically less consistent than Klay, but Likashing bashes Klay for being too "inconsistent," while claiming George is a bonafide superstar. LOL. What a joke.

Every player in this league has stinkers, and many of them have them when the game is on the line. No one is immune from this, but the detractors on this thread want to make it like Klay is the only player that doesn't shoot to his avg every night. Their arguments are pure BS and are reflective only of a bizarre axe they have to grind against Klay.

You make good points a8. The only thing I'd add regarding Butler and him being compared to Klay is that defensively, I give him the nod over Klay (who as I mentioned may have had a dropoff earlier this season for whatever the reason) although he seems to be picking it up as of late. Klay certainly has the advantage over him offensively but I look at both sides of the ball when doing comparisons.

Keep in mind that last season in the playoffs Butler did a very good job on Lebron and I think is better against SFs. This season I take Butler over Klay, last season it was definitely Klay. I still take Klay over Harden after that last performance. Whenever these comparisons exist, there's a lot of subjectivity which is why I don't like to do them that much.

I think you need to look at the player you have and even if he's mentioned as one of the tops at his respective position you should be quite pleased. And I still say that Steph couldn't have a better backcourt partner than Klay imo nor would I want anyone else.

[Mylie10]

I actually like Butlers offense over Klay. Not by much, but more versatile. Klay is clearly the better shooter, but Butler creates now, and puts the ball on the floor and attacks with force. He's becoming a better passer than Klay as well.

[Mylie10]

Jimmy Butler is an Alpha dog, while Klay is more of an ankle biter.

[turk3d]

Jimmy Butler is an Alpha dog, while Klay is more of an ankle biter.

LOL. You may be right Mylie. I'm just trying to give Klay the benefit of the doubt and certainly (so far this season) I'd have to give the nod to Butler overall. But the season still has a long way to go, so we'll see how it ultimately turns out.