Steve Kerr admit that it wasn't easy. Just before the All-Star Break, the Warriors coach decided to go out Klay Thompson of the team's major five. The reaction of the “Splash Brother”? Shouts, against the coach and his assistants, then apologies, after calming down.
“It was not an easy conversation. This is probably the hardest part, as we move further away from our peak. It’s just that after 12 years (as a starter), it’s not easy” explains Steve Kerr to ESPN. “And in the future, it won’t be easy. But I told him: 'If you really accept it, you can help the team win.'
The timing of the decision was also important, Steve Kerr having allowed Klay Thompson to digest the news during the All-Star Break, with his family. Near the ocean which calms him so much.
A role of 6th man that suits him well?
“Just being able to still play with these guys is amazing in itself.”explains Klay Thompson, who spent several days thinking. “It’s a season of evolution.”
Since he came on as a replacement, the Warriors have won five games in six outings, and the 34-year-old seems more efficient (19.2 points on average at 44% from far compared to 17.0 points at 37% from far on the 49 first matches as starter). Of course, this needs to be confirmed over time, but Klay Thompson seems to be supporting Golden State's attack more, whereas he tended to force things before.
If he fully accepts this new role, can Klay Thompson extend the adventure in the Bay? Stephen Curry's friend says he is open to it, while negotiations with the club have so far been unsuccessful.
But the idea of a new short lease, aligned with those of Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry, which end in the summer of 2026, would be an option considered by both camps.
| Klay Thompson | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2011-12 | GOS | 66 | 24 | 44.3 | 41.4 | 86.8 | 0.4 | 2.1 | 2.4 | 2.0 | 2.4 | 0.7 | 1.6 | 0.3 | 12.5 |
| 2012-13 | GOS | 82 | 36 | 42.2 | 40.1 | 84.1 | 0.4 | 3.3 | 3.7 | 2.2 | 2.9 | 1.1 | 1.9 | 0.6 | 16.6 |
| 2013-14 | GOS | 81 | 35 | 44.4 | 41.7 | 79.5 | 0.5 | 2.6 | 3.1 | 2.2 | 2.9 | 0.9 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 18.4 |
| 2014-15 | GOS | 77 | 32 | 46.3 | 43.9 | 87.9 | 0.4 | 2.9 | 3.2 | 2.9 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 21.7 |
| 2015-16 | GOS | 80 | 33 | 47.0 | 42.5 | 87.3 | 0.4 | 3.4 | 3.8 | 2.1 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 1.7 | 0.6 | 22.1 |
| 2016-17 | GOS | 78 | 34 | 46.8 | 41.4 | 85.3 | 0.6 | 3.0 | 3.7 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 0.9 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 22.3 |
| 2017-18 | GOS | 73 | 34 | 48.8 | 44.0 | 83.7 | 0.4 | 3.4 | 3.8 | 2.5 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 20.0 |
| 2018-19 | GOS | 78 | 34 | 46.7 | 40.2 | 81.6 | 0.5 | 3.4 | 3.8 | 2.4 | 2.0 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 0.6 | 21.5 |
| 2021-22 | GOS | 32 | 29 | 42.9 | 38.5 | 90.2 | 0.5 | 3.4 | 3.9 | 2.8 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 20.4 |
| 2022-23 | GOS | 69 | 33 | 43.6 | 41.2 | 87.9 | 0.6 | 3.6 | 4.1 | 2.4 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 1.8 | 0.4 | 21.9 |
| 2023-24 | GOS | 54 | 30 | 42.1 | 37.6 | 92.2 | 0.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 2.3 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 17.2 |
| Total | 770 | 33 | 45.3 | 41.3 | 85.6 | 0.5 | 3.1 | 3.5 | 2.3 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 19.6 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
