Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson has been solid through three games to start the 2022-23 season, shooting 15-of-37 (40.5%) from the field and 8-of-23 (34.8%) from 3-point range.
According to several NBA betting sites, the Warriors are favored to repeat in 2023. However, a few sportsbooks are giving high odds to the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers to win the title this season.
However, the five-time All-Star knows he can play better. “I’m such a perfectionist, I just want to be great right now,” Klay Thompson told ESPN’s Kendra Andrews after Tuesday’s shootaround at Arizona State University.
“But I get it, man, it’s been a long time. I’d prefer to come from the platform in early November or early January. When you feel like you’re the reason your team is going through a slump, it’s good to take that route early.”
Warriors guard Klay Thompson prefers deadline to November or January
The four-time NBA champion finished with 8 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in 27 minutes of action in the Warriors’ 130-125 win over the Sacramento Kings. Thompson shot 3 of 10 from the floor and 2 of 7 from downtown.
Fortunately, Klay Thompson plays for one of the most stacked teams. With Stephen Curry averaging 33.3 points and 44.4% from beyond the arc, the Warriors can afford a few lackluster performances here and there.
Playing at a high level again after an injury is all mental. LeBron James, Damian Lillard, Curry and Thompson know this better than any other player in the NBA.
“Don’t get discouraged by missed tackles or defensive turnovers,” Klay Thompson continued. “Sometimes when you come back from an injury, you go your own way.”
“’Ah, I may not be the same player. I might do this or that.’ But you have to be grateful just to compete there. When I play with that mindset, everything just flows.”
“I am a very proud person. I forget that what I’ve been through is real. Although I want to have big shooting nights, I know it will come with hard work and patience. That thing is organic.
Last season, in 32 starts, Klay Thompson averaged 20.4 points, 3.9 boards and 2.8 assists. When the guard returned to the court in January, he shot 42.9% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc.
