Draft Profile
Klay thompson draft – Klay Thompson, a 6’7″ shooting guard from Washington State University, entered the 2011 NBA Draft with a reputation as one of the most talented shooters in the country. His smooth stroke, quick release, and high basketball IQ made him a coveted prospect for teams looking for a reliable scorer.
Collegiate Career
Thompson had a stellar collegiate career at Washington State, leading the Cougars to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in over a decade during his junior season. He averaged 21.6 points per game in his final year, shooting 48.4% from the field and 43.4% from three-point range.
Klay Thompson’s draft stock has been a topic of debate, but the emergence of Quentin Grimes has added another layer of intrigue. Grimes, a talented two-way guard, has drawn comparisons to Thompson due to his shooting prowess and defensive abilities.
While Thompson’s status as a draft lottery pick remains secure, Grimes’s impressive performances have certainly made scouts and analysts take notice, potentially influencing the draft landscape for both players.
Strengths
- Elite shooting ability: Thompson is one of the purest shooters in the draft, with a quick release and a high release point that makes it difficult to block his shots.
- Off-ball movement: Thompson is an excellent cutter and mover without the ball, making him a dangerous threat in transition and off-screen plays.
- Basketball IQ: Thompson has a high basketball IQ and understands how to play within a team concept. He is a willing passer and defender, making him a valuable all-around player.
Weaknesses
- Athleticism: Thompson is not the most athletic player in the draft, and he can struggle to defend against quicker, more explosive guards.
- Strength: Thompson is relatively thin and can be overpowered by stronger opponents in the post.
- Ball-handling: Thompson is not a great ball-handler and can be prone to turnovers when pressured.
Expectations
Thompson was projected to be a lottery pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, and he was ultimately selected 11th overall by the Golden State Warriors. He quickly became a key contributor for the Warriors, helping them win three NBA championships in 2015, 2017, and 2018.
Klay Thompson’s draft year was a pivotal moment in NBA history. With the Warriors selecting him 11th overall, it set the stage for a decade of dominance. However, just a few picks later, the Raptors made a shrewd move by selecting Jonas Valanciunas , a young Lithuanian center with a promising future.
Valanciunas’ impact on the Raptors was immediate, solidifying their defense and providing a reliable scoring option. While Thompson’s journey led him to multiple championships and All-Star appearances, Valanciunas’ consistent presence and leadership became equally invaluable to Toronto’s success.
Draft Selection
In the lead-up to the 2011 NBA Draft, Klay Thompson was a highly sought-after prospect. Several teams expressed interest in drafting him, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Golden State Warriors. The Cavaliers, who held the first overall pick, were reportedly considering Thompson as a potential selection. However, they ultimately decided to draft Kyrie Irving instead. The Timberwolves, who had the second overall pick, were also interested in Thompson but ultimately selected Derrick Williams.
The Golden State Warriors, who held the 11th overall pick, were intrigued by Thompson’s shooting ability and defensive potential. They believed that he could be a valuable addition to their young team, which already included Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis. The Warriors also had a good relationship with Thompson’s father, Mychal Thompson, who had played for the team in the 1980s.
In the end, the Warriors decided to select Thompson with the 11th overall pick. They were confident that he could be a key contributor to their team and help them contend for a championship.
Impact on Warriors Dynasty: Klay Thompson Draft
Klay Thompson’s draft selection by the Golden State Warriors in 2011 proved to be a pivotal moment in the franchise’s history. His arrival marked the beginning of the team’s dynasty, which saw them win three NBA championships in four years.
Thompson’s contributions to the Warriors’ success were significant. He was a sharpshooting guard who provided a reliable scoring threat from beyond the arc. He also played excellent defense, often guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter player.
Alongside Stephen Curry, Klay thompson draft
Thompson’s partnership with Stephen Curry formed one of the most dominant backcourts in NBA history. The two players complemented each other perfectly, with Curry’s ball-handling and playmaking abilities creating opportunities for Thompson to get open shots. Thompson, in turn, provided Curry with a reliable target for his passes, often hitting timely three-pointers to help the Warriors win games.
- In the 2015 NBA Finals, Thompson averaged 26.8 points per game and shot 47.6% from three-point range.
- In the 2017 NBA Finals, Thompson averaged 22.5 points per game and shot 42.5% from three-point range.
- In the 2018 NBA Finals, Thompson averaged 20.7 points per game and shot 40.0% from three-point range.
