For a short time this Summer it was believed that Klay Thompson was headed to Minnesota and Kevin Love was coming to the Bay Area. Some loved the move, others hated it. The organization was torn, however a contingency led by Jerry West and Steve Kerr eventually persuaded ownership that Thompson must stay with the Warriors.
No trade happened. Love went to Cleveland and he has struggled in the first half of the season. Thompson on the other hand has flourished. He carried the momentum from the Gold medal experience this Summer and used it to get off to an amazing start to the season.
Now, he is finally being recognized as one of the better players in the league. According to Marc Stein of ESPN, Thompson has officially been named a Western Conference All-Star:
ESPN sources say Klay Thompson has been selected as a Western Conference All-Star
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) January 29, 2015
The Western Conference is loaded with talented guards, which is why Thompson’s selection to the West team was in question. Now, with Kobe Bryant out for the season with a torn rotator cuff, they have to replace him in the starting line-up. The head coach of the West gets to choose Bryant’s replacement and Steve Kerr is the one who will be making that decision.
Does Kerr start the All-Star game with his own backcourt or does he pick James Harden, who is in an MVP candidate this season. It’s a tough choice for Kerr, but an easy one for all Warrior fans. You have to start the Splash Bros in the Mecca of basketball. While Harden has better stats, Thompson is the best two guard in the league, he does it on both ends of the court.
Nevertheless, Thompson being named an All-Star is a culmination of hard work and it only gives the fourth-year shooting guard much more confidence. He’s arrived and now the whole world will get to see his talents during All-Star weekend.
Dubs all day!!! YEEEE!!!!!!!