Is Klay Thompson worthy of a max contract?
Much like the previously mentioned Los Angeles Clippers, the Golden State Warriors are yet to get past the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Highlighted by arguably the greatest shooting back-court of all time, the team comes into this season with nearly the same roster they had last year with the exception of veteran point guard Leandro Barbosa. With Andre Iguodala sliding to the 6th-man (or Ginobili role), Golden State sees a huge face lift with new head coach Steve Kerr bringing his wisdom to the team. Most will say Kerr is too inexperienced for the position, but we’re sure he has more experience than most coaches and GMs in the league, considering he did win 3 consecutive titles with the greatest player of all time. What’s unique about this situation is he perfectly caters to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, since he was a 3-point specialist in his time in the league.
We still have great admiration for Mark Jackson, but Kerr may be the one missing piece into taking this collection of talents to the next step. Stephen is so confident about the team, he insisted a Kevin Love for Klay trade wasn’t necessary – which led to Thompson asking for a maximum contract. The 24-year-old swingman averaged 18 points a game last year and is entering his senior year and is coming off a FIBA stint over the summer that led to GOLD. The Warriors believe in Klay’s talents, hence not pulling the trigger for a Love trade over the summer; but we still have questions regarding his ceiling playing alongside Curry, David Lee and Iggy.