Klay Thompson remains defiant despite injuries: "I may not be the same player I was, if I'm 90%... I'm still a hell of a player on a hell of a team"
Klay Thompson is yet to hit full throttle since returning from injury. NBA reporter Ramona Shelbourne revisited a quote from the four-time NBA champ saying he is a "hell of a player" regardless.
Thompson sustained a knee injury in the 2019 NBA Finals and missed the 2019-20 season as a result. Although he was getting ready to return to action the following season, he tore his Achilles during training.
The Golden State Warriors shooting guard missed action for over 900 days. However, he was a big boost for the Warriors on their journey to the 2022 NBA championship.
No one expected Thompson to be anything close to his former self. However, fans are starting to worry that he might be losing his touch.
On "ESPN Daily," Shelbourne focused on Thompson's journey in the NBA and where he is right now. She highlighted that the two-way player has always maintained a positive mindset and is loyal to the Warriors.
(From 30:30)
"Klay, in one sense, is very realistic about who he is as a player now. Very realistic. He says it out loud. He goes, 'I may not be the same player I was, if I'm 90%.' But he always comes back to this place of, 'But I'm still a hell of a player on a hell of a team.'
"He really wants to be on the Warriors, he really wants to be on the team that wins. That is what he is about."
One could argue that Thompson is not close to being 90%. Although he has had occasional bursts, the former All-Star has found it hard to maintain any type of consistency in his performances.
Steph Curry believes Klay Thompson's shooting will return
With all the Thompson bashing on social media, Steph Curry has spoken up in his defense. The Warriors captain believes his Splash Bro will regain his form again.
In a post-game presser after the Warriors lost to the Phoenix Suns, Curry commented on Thompson's slow start to the season:
“It’s a tough balance of trusting him to do exactly what he is capable of doing, you know, being himself. Klay Thompson’s shots have always been ones that you wouldn’t tell anybody else to really take because of his skill set and the work that he puts in. He’s had slow starts before this season but the biggest thing [is] … you got to let the game come to you."
Curry's 50 points were not enough to lead the Warriors to their first road victory this season. Pundits have called on other members of the team to step up, saying Curry cannot carry the team alone.
Klay Thompson on shooting slump: "I promise you, it's coming"
Thompson is having the worst shooting season of his career. Prior to his injury in 2019, the five-time All-Star averaged 40+% from 3-point range every season.
Unfortunately, he has not reached the 40-point mark since returning from injury even as he has attempted more shots.
Nonetheless, Thompson is confident in his abilities and believes "the floodgates will open." He made the declaration on his Instagram story.
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” KLAY on IG:
“My belief is stronger than your doubt. I PROMISE you it’s coming. And when it does the flood gates will open ☔️”
https://t.co/v0lyOBYA6V
The Warriors need a boost, and quick, as they look to defend their title. Klay Thompson can provide that boost but he needs to first find his form.