Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green, the Big 3 of the Golden State Warriors kept the dynasty intact with their loyalty, hard work and dedication toward the franchise. However, their recent elimination from the Western Conference play-in, after by a 94-118 loss to the Sacramento Kings, has drawn scrutiny from NBA analysts, particularly regarding the performances of Green and Thompson.
While discussing the game on Fox Sports 1’s ‘First Things First’, analyst Nick Wright said, “Even though Warriors Twitter want to blame Steve Kerr, I’m gonna say Draymond Green is the no. 1 reason they were in that position.” Calling Green “one of the most difficult to manage people” in the Warriors team, Nick focused on the former DPOY winner’s inconsistent performances even after being aware that his team needed him.
Nick Wright is not the only one to blame Green, veteran analyst Skip Bayless also criticized him along with teammate Klay Thompson for the Warriors’ failure.
On his talk show ‘Undisputed’, after praising Klay Thompson, who he claimed to be the second-greatest shooter, Bayless said, “he looked old and slow last night”. Having said that, the 72-year-old sports columnist added, “Steph can only carry you so far when he is 6 feet 3 inches tall, I mean there’s only so much that you can do.”
Bayless also blamed Green’s age, which seemed to have taken a toll on his performance on Tuesday night. Dray scored 12 points in the game and managed to get 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and 6 assists, whereas Thompson repeated the unwanted Jordan Poole feat by failing to put up a single point on the scoreboard even after attempting 10 shots from the field and 6 from the 3-point range.
With that devastating performance, Thompson’s five-year contract with the Warriors came to an end. Although coach Steve Kerr feels that the franchise needs Klay back, there are other doors of opportunities that have reportedly opened for the 34-year-old.
Mavs eye Klay Thompson ahead of free agency
After declining the Warriors’ two-year contract extension last year in December, Klay Thompson will set to become a free agent in July, who could grab many eyes in the league.
According to Sam Amick of ‘The Athletic’, the Dallas Mavericks are probable suitors provided they want to add a veteran shooter to their squad alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. As per Amick, the Orlando Magic is another franchise that can be looked out for.
Following Klay Thompson’s dejected exit after the Warriors’ loss on Tuesday night, all fingers point toward a way leading out of San Francisco for the 34-year-old marking the end of the Warriors Dynasty.
