FIBA Klay Rolls On
Whether it’s increased confidence from a good World Cup or natural development, Klay Thompson has looked every bit as the player the Warriors were so hesitant to trade for Kevin Love. In addition to the usual stellar long range shooting and solid defense, Thompson has shown more all-around game thus far in preseason. Thompson has attacked the basket more regularly, demonstrated he can be more of a playmaker, and not settled for contested jump shots as much as in previous years:
Thompson is leading the Warriors in pre-season scoring (27.9 points per 36 minutes on 66.2TS%). His preseason assist per minute average, should it hold through for the regular season, would double his career average. No one expects these gaudy numbers to hold up all year, however as Ethan Sherwood Strauss alluded to in his recent TrueHoop Warriors’ piece; if Kerr’s offense can put Thompson in better positions to make plays and be more efficient, he can be an all-star.
NEXT: Time to make big plays