Today, Klay Thompson is one of the best shooters in the NBA and is a member of the Golden State Warriors “Splash Bros”. Now is his third year, Thompson has emerged as a deadly three point shooter and is developing into one of the best young shooting guards in the league. At only 24 years of age Thompson appears to have a bright future ahead of him.
Early Career
Thompson was born on February 8, 1990 in Los Angeles, California. Thompson’s father is Mychal Thompson, former number one overall pick and member of the Blazers and Lakers. Thompson grew up in Ladera Ranch, California. He then attended Santa Margarita Catholic High School, where he excelled at basketball. Despite being 6’6”, Thompson played primarily on the perimeter and developed into an excellent three point shooter. By his junior year Thompson began attract national attention and soon emerged as one of the better players in California. In his junior season he averaged 19 points and was named to the All-League second team. As a senior, he averaged 21 points, four rebounds, and three assists per game. He led his team to a record of 30-5 and a state championship. In the state championship game Thompson scored 37 points, including a record seven threes. By the end of his senior season Thompson was a highly rated recruit and was ranked as a top-25 prospect nationally. Klay Thompson eventually committed to Washington State University.
College Career
Thompson started immediately for the Cougars and he was very successful, especially from the three point line. He averaged 12 points, two assists, and four rebounds per game. He also shot 42 percent from the three point line. Despite a strong season the year before, the Cougars struggled in Thompson’s freshman year. They finished with a record of 17-16 and finished seventh in the Pac-10. Thompson was named to the Pac-10 All-Freshman Team.
In his sophomore year Thompson improved dramatically. Thompson averaged 19 points, two assists, and five rebounds per game. Despite his improvements, the Cougars struggled mightily, finishing 16-15. The Cougars most notable accomplishment was winning the Great Alaska Shootout Tournament. Thompson scored 47 points in the championship game. Thompson was named to the All Pac-10 First Team and was a John Wooden Award finalist.
In his junior year Thompson continued to make significant improvements, and so did the Cougars. As one of the top players in the country, Thompson led the Cougars to a 22-13 record. Thompson averaged 21 points, four assists, and five rebounds per game. He also finished as a John Wooden Award finalist. He finished the season on a high note. In the Pac-10 Tournament Thompson scored 43 points and made eight three pointers. The Cougars were selected to the NIT Tournament but eventually lost in the quarterfinals. After his junior season Thompson declared for the NBA Draft. Thompson finished his career 3rd all-time on WSU’s all-time scoring list.
NBA Career
Thompson was selected with the 11th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. He was selected by the Golden State Warriors. At the time, the Warriors possessed two deadly scorers in Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry. Thompson spent much of the year as a backup to Ellis, however; on March 13th, 2012. Once Ellis was traded Thompson’s production and playing time increased dramatically. On the season, Thompson averaged 12 points, two rebounds, and two assists. He also shot a very impressive 41 percent from the three point line. Thompson was elected to the All-Rookie First Team.
In his second year in the NBA, Thompson was set as the Warriors starting shooting guard and started all 82 games. As a full time starter, Thompson averaged 16 points, two assists, and four rebounds per game. Despite the modest statistical improvements Klay progressed nicely and it certainly impacted the Warriors. The Warriors made it to the playoffs as a six seed. They then went on to beat the three seeded Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. Thompson’s success and the Warriors were one of the biggest surprises of the NBA season. On the season, Curry and Thompson combined for 483 three-pointers, an NBA record.
Entering his third year in the league, Thompson has continued to improve and has formed a deadly partnership with Stephen Curry. Thompson has continued to improve his game, especially on the defensive side of the ball. So far, Thompson has averaged 18 points, two assists, and three rebounds per game. On his career Thompson is a 41 percent three point shooter, making him one of the best shooters in the game. As Thompson’s game continues to develop he will become an even more deadly offensive threat.