When Klay Thompson left Golden State just over a year ago, many hoped that he would eventually come back and retire as a Warrior. Initially, the decision was difficult to grapple with for several people: Dub Nation, the front office, but most notably, for Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
Curry and Green had been with the five-time All-Star for over a decade, and the trio seemed destined to ride out their careers together. From being a part of a franchise that was branded as one of the worst in the league to pouring champagne on one another after winning their fourth title, they had experienced everything together.
Thompson’s departure stung, but it wasn’t surprising. Rumors of the 35-year-old being unhappy with a relegated role on the team, along with his desire for a change of scenery, meant there was always a possibility he could leave.
His last season in Golden State was a particularly weird one; one that saw the organization make the puzzling decision to bring in Chris Paul while also trying to expedite the growth of their young players. The Warriors didn’t even make the playoffs that year — something that hadn’t happened (with Curry, Green, and Thompson all healthy) since 2012.
Now Thompson appears unhappy again with the Dallas Mavericks, amidst on-court slumps, and whispers have circulated that he should reunite with his former squad.
In theory, a Klay homecoming sounds like the swan song needed to provide closure to what was an awkward ending. But in reality, that idea isn’t as storybook as it sounds.
Not the Same
The Dubs are experiencing a difficult stretch right now, just like Thompson and the Mavericks. That doesn’t necessarily mean, though, that another marriage between the two is a good option.
What previously made Thompson a perfect fit with the Warriors were his abilities to guard opposing teams’ top players and light it up from three. Those skills slowly started to decline in his final seasons in the Bay. He was subjected to extensive criticism for regression, despite having torn his ACL and Achilles in the middle of his prime.
The Warriors could use the Klay Thompson from the previous decade, not the recent version. They already possess one of the league’s oldest rosters and are experiencing their own issues with age and injuries.
All players’ on-court production naturally drops at some point in their 30s; however, the 35-year-old’s numbers have plummeted drastically.
Through his first nine games this season, he is shooting just under 32% from the field and 26.4% from three. He has already come off the bench twice after starting every game for Dallas last season. Despite Kyrie Irving being out with a torn ACL, Thompson is averaging the lowest minutes and points of his career.
Defensively, it is clear that he doesn’t have the same burst or lateral movement he used to. On a team that can afford inconsistent play and doesn’t need an All-Star caliber player, Thompson could fit. On a team like the Warriors, which needs a reliable scorer and shooting threat, Thompson is a mismatch.
Unrealistic Expectations
The team Klay agreed to join a year ago is not the same team now. The former Washington State standout was expected to supplement the scoring of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic.
The Dallas Mavericks shockingly moved Luka Doncic, who was a key piece in convincing Thompson to sign there. On top of that, Irving tore his ACL before last March. The roster has transformed dramatically since Thompson signed with Dallas.
Regardless of the Warriors’ and Mavericks’ current situations, shipping him back to San Francisco wouldn’t be a good idea.
It is unrealistic to expect Thompson to fill what the Warriors need when he is no longer capable of being that player. In an ideal world for a reunion, the team wouldn’t need him to be the player he used to be; the current Klay would suffice. This lower expectation wouldn’t put any serious pressure on him and would allow any production from him to be a bonus, not a necessity.
There is also no guarantee he would get consistent minutes under Steve Kerr. If his final season in California was any indication, Kerr wouldn’t mind benching Thompson again for the team’s betterment. Going through this cycle again would only stain a potential reunion and make matters worse.
His performances don’t need more scrutiny, and neither do the Warriors’. Every benching and display of frustration would only be magnified more if the two parties came together again.
Better Left Closed
Not every movie should have a sequel. And not every show needs a reboot. The hardest part of any great story is knowing when it needs to end, even if it’s not in the way people hoped for.
Klay Thompson will always be a Warriors legend. That will never change.
What he was able to achieve alongside Curry and Green can’t be erased. It may never be replicated either.
For now, people can appreciate his story with the Warriors, but understand that it is best to remain closed.
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