Klay Thompson is arguably having one of the most disappointing seasons of his career. The Warriors’ shooting guard has been off-form the entire first half of the season, where he has not been able to support his team with shots, which opponents do not consider a threat anymore.
Klay was regarded as one of the best snipers in the league with his stunning shooting figures. However, his sudden decline has worried not just the Warriors’ fans but the player himself. Warriors’ HC spoke to the disheartened player which sparked a change in the player’s thought process and mentality.
How Coach Steve Kerr Impacted Klay’s New Perspective
Basketball is a game of emotions. While emotions fuel the game, players must not let their shallow emotions get the better of them in a game or their careers. A good coach helps his players understand their emotions and helps them navigate through rough patches, especially those players who are so used to the highest of highs in their respective roles.
Klay Thompson has been having a very below-average season for a player of his standards. A few seasons ago, the famed Splash Brothers – the duo of Stephen Curry and Thompson took the league by storm with their miraculous and breathtaking three-point offense. Teams were assured that if Klay let the ball fly, the ball would find the basket.
Thompson is now averaging an awful 16.7 points per game while shooting a career-low from behind the arc with 37.7%. Warriors’ fans consider the shooter as a liability on offense while opposition teams count the player as a weakness. The four-time NBA Champion has been disappointed in his performances this season.
That’s when Warriors’ HC Steve Kerr stepped in to guide the player from any ill thoughts that the player had in mind regarding his form and mindset.
Thompson said that a recent conversation with Kerr helped him “relax a lot” and adjust his perspectives.
The five-time All-Star said, “Sometimes I forget just how successful and how lucky I’ve been to be part of a championship team, All-Star games, gold medals”.
Klay added, “You want to get back to that level so badly you can kind of get in your own way. Rather than forcing it, we had a conversation about enjoying the last chapter of my career, how lucky I truly am to still be playing this game, doing it at a high level, being a better mentor for these young guys, leading by example, having my energy right every game”.
His conversation with Kerr seems to have certainly enabled a shift in the shooter’s thought process while also building a fresh and positive perspective which will help Thompson approach his game and performances differently.
Klay Shifts Focus from Stats to Warriors’ Legacy
Playing in a position where stats are looked at the most, it is quite easy for an athlete of Klay Thompson’s stature to get caught up in the numbers. Looking at the numbers, thereby make or break an athlete’s mindset and mental composure and it is best to ignore them to have a natural feel for the game.
Klay’s recent conversation with his HC, Steve Kerr proved to be an eye-opener for the Warriors’ sniper as he shifted his focus away from statistical and quantitative measures of the game.
“He helped me realize if I do have negative energy how that affects the team in a poor manner. So we had a great conversation that helped me change my whole mindset and forget about shooting splits or points per game or All-Star games and just to enjoy being in this Warriors uniform and appreciate what we’ve built. Because it’s such a rare opportunity for a professional athlete to be a part of so much success and to pass that torch to the young guys and keep this thing going.”, Klay recollected from his conversation.
It would be truly remarkable to see Klay shoot the ball again with utmost confidence, leading the Warriors to glory alongside his Splash Brother, Stephen Curry. A revitalized Klay Thompson is just the magic the Warriors need as they head into the second half of the season.
What do you think of Klay Thompson’s performances this season? Should the Warriors look to trade him for better alternatives? We are eager to know your thoughts and opinions so please let us know in the comments below.
