Klay Thompson isn’t having the best postseason, and he definitely isn’t having his best series against the Houston Rockets. Through four games, Thompson is averaging 15 points while shooting 39 percent from the field, 31 percent from deep.
These numbers are a huge drop from the 21 points on 47 percent shooting from the field, 40 percent shooting from deep. Thompson has seemed disinterested at times, especially on the bench, and hasn’t quite found a rhythm despite having quite a few good looks.
Could Thompson’s struggles be another slump similar to how he began the season, or could the struggles be rooted in something much deeper? According to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, Thompson isn’t happy with his role and the number of touches he’s been getting.
“I have not spoken to Klay Thompson, in fairness to Klay Thompson, let me be clear about that. I’m told Klay Thompson isn’t happy, his number hasn’t been called nearly enough, he’s tired of sitting around and getting, quote-unquote — this is a quote — the crumbs left behind by other people.”
Smith didn’t go as far as to say that Thompson is looking to get out of Golden State, but the Warriors have to know that Thompson would like to have a larger role moving forward, and if the Warriors want to ensure that he stays and that he’s happy, they’re going to have to prioritize him in free agency.
“But where it gets interesting is that, although Golden State would love to keep the three, they anticipate Kevin Durant leaving. From what I’m told, even individuals like Pat Riley have spoken to folks within the Warriors organization to say your priority had better be keeping the Splash Brothers together.”
At the end of the day, it’s hard to imagine the Warriors losing both Durant and Thompson in the same summer, and it’s highly unlikely that it happens. But if Thompson continues to feel like the third wheel, and that feeling extends into June, some of the rumors about Thompson looking elsewhere could possibly turn into a reality.
