Klay Thompson’s shooting ability is still excellent, but his defensive skills have seriously declined.

Klay Thompson has long been regarded as one of the best two-way players in the NBA, known for his elite shooting ability and lockdown defense. However, while his offensive skills remain top-tier, his defensive skills have seriously declined in recent seasons. Whether due to age, injuries, or changes in team dynamics, Thompson is no longer the defensive force he once was. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this decline, how it affects his role on the Golden State Warriors, and what it means for his future in the league.

Klay Thompson’s Shooting Ability is Still Among the Best

Despite his defensive struggles, Klay Thompson’s shooting remains elite. Throughout his career, he has been one of the most efficient and deadly shooters in NBA history. His ability to move without the ball, find open spots, and release shots quickly makes him an irreplaceable offensive asset for the Warriors.

Even after missing two full seasons due to injuries, Thompson returned with an impressive shooting performance. His three-point percentage continues to hover around the 40% mark, making him one of the most reliable perimeter shooters in the league. He has had multiple games where he has caught fire, proving that his offensive skill set is still intact.

The Factors Behind His Defensive Decline

While his shooting is still exceptional, Thompson’s defensive abilities have diminished significantly. Several key factors have contributed to this decline:

1. Injuries Have Taken a Toll

Klay Thompson suffered two of the most devastating injuries an NBA player can experience—a torn ACL and a torn Achilles. These injuries forced him to miss the entire 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. Upon returning, it became evident that his lateral quickness and ability to stay in front of elite guards had declined.

Before the injuries, Thompson was capable of guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter player. His size, strength, and defensive IQ made him an elite defender. However, with reduced mobility and lateral agility, he struggles against quicker guards and wings. This has led to an increase in blow-by plays and defensive breakdowns.

2. The Evolution of the NBA

The modern NBA has seen an increase in elite scorers who thrive in isolation and pick-and-roll situations. While Thompson was once able to contain these players, the pace and skill level of today’s offensive stars have exposed his defensive weaknesses. Players like Ja Morant, Anthony Edwards, and Devin Booker have all had success attacking Thompson, something that was rare in his prime.

Additionally, teams are now targeting Thompson more on defense, recognizing that he is no longer the elite stopper he once was. This has put extra pressure on his teammates to rotate and help, leading to defensive lapses for the Warriors as a whole.

3. Age and Wear and Tear

At 34 years old, Thompson is no longer the young, athletic defender he once was. While he still possesses great basketball IQ and positioning, his physical decline is noticeable. Defenders rely heavily on their athleticism, and as age slows down reaction time and movement, even the best defenders struggle to keep up.

Thompson has played over 700 NBA games (including playoffs), and the accumulated wear and tear is taking its toll. While his effort level remains high, his body is simply not responding the way it used to.

How This Affects His Role on the Warriors

The Warriors have had to adjust their defensive schemes due to Thompson’s decline on defense. In the past, he was a key piece of their defensive identity, often taking on the toughest perimeter assignment. Now, that responsibility has shifted to younger players like Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga.

Head coach Steve Kerr has made strategic changes to hide Thompson on defense when possible. The Warriors often put him on less threatening offensive players to avoid mismatches. However, in a league filled with dynamic scorers, it is difficult to completely hide a defensive liability.

Additionally, Thompson’s defensive decline has impacted the Warriors’ ability to compete against top-tier teams. Golden State has always relied on strong defense to complement their high-powered offense. With Thompson struggling defensively, the team has had to rely more on Draymond Green and Wiggins to compensate, which isn’t always sustainable.

What This Means for Klay Thompson’s Future

While Klay Thompson’s shooting remains elite, his defensive struggles raise questions about his long-term role in the NBA. He is still a valuable player, but his declining defense could force him into a reduced role moving forward.

1. A Potential Move to a Sixth-Man Role?

One possibility is that Thompson transitions into a sixth-man role. Coming off the bench would allow him to focus more on scoring without being exposed defensively against elite starting guards. This could extend his career and keep him effective in a specialized role.

2. Adjusting His Defensive Approach

To remain a viable two-way player, Thompson may need to adjust his defensive approach. He could benefit from studying players like Andre Iguodala, who extended their careers by relying more on positioning and defensive intelligence rather than athleticism. Improving his strength and anticipation could help him compensate for lost quickness.

3. Will the Warriors Keep Him?

With Thompson in the final stages of his contract, the Warriors must decide whether to re-sign him or move on. Given his legacy with the franchise, they may opt to keep him, but they will likely negotiate a deal that reflects his current value rather than his past accolades.

Conclusion

Klay Thompson remains one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, and his offensive contributions are still critical to the Warriors. However, his defensive abilities have declined significantly, which has forced Golden State to adjust their strategies. While his future in the NBA is still promising, he will need to adapt his game to remain a key contributor.

As the Warriors continue to evolve, the question remains: Can Klay Thompson overcome his defensive decline and remain an essential part of Golden State’s success? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—his legendary shooting touch isn’t going anywhere.