Klay Thompson aims to collect another accolade designed after Kobe Bryant: “At least one more time before I’m done”
Klay Thompson's comeback has not been all roses as many expected. The Golden State Warriors shooting guard is determined to get at least one more nod for the All-Star game in his career.
Thompson established himself as one of the best shooting guards in the league. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in the 2019 NBA Finals and missed two seasons due to injuries.
The four-time NBA champion returned to action in January 2022 and was slowly reintegrated into the lineup. He had a few good games in the 2022 playoffs, helping the Warriors win the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
Nonetheless, Thompson is yet to return to his premier self. He struggled shooting the ball early in the season and has not been the perimeter threat he once was on the defensive end of the floor.
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated's Howard Beck, Thompson was reminded of his goal of being an All-Star once again. He reiterated that he was going to achieve it one more time before hanging his boot:
“I’m gonna do it again, at least one more time before I’m done."
Beck highlighted that the two-way guard was pulling on a black All-Star band from 2018 as he made the comments. With the All-Star MVP trophy now being named the Kobe Bryant Trophy, it is an added motivation for Thompson as he said:
“I’d love to shoot for that."
Klay Thompson says he will make All-Star team again and plans to shoot for All-Star MVP: ahnfiredigital.com/nba/golden-sta…
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Voting for the 2023 All-Star game has already begun. The 2023 All-Star game will be held in Utah, and fans have already rallied behind their favorites.
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Klay Thompson last made the All-Star game in 2019
Thompson made the All-Star game for five consecutive seasons from 2015. Coincidentally, that was the start of the Warriors dynasty.
Although the Warriors have established themselves as champions again, Thompson is not at his best. Since going down with a knee injury in 2019, he has not played a full season.
Thompson's slow start this season will also not help his case for the 2023 All-Star game. However, it is worth noting that anything can happen with the new voting system. Nonetheless, it would be difficult for him to break through the pool of talented guards likely to make the cut.
While an All-Star selection might be out of reach for Thompson this year, the Warriors are glad he is starting to find his rhythm. The five-time All-Star had a 41-point outburst against the Houston Rockets on Nov. 20. He also knocked down 10 3-pointers in 13 attempts, which was a major confidence booster.
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