Golden State Warriors Weekly: Klay Thompson In A New Role

With the addition of Andre Iguodala, there was a definite chance that one of the Golden State Warriors young swingmen would be relegated as the veteran’s backup. Both Harrison Barnes and Klay Thompson played on the wing alongside Stephen Curry and it looks as if Golden State coach Mark Jackson has assigned Thompson as the leading bench player. The adjustment will be interesting, seeing as Thompson has started 123 straight games in the NBA, both regular season and playoffs included. Having scoring from your bench is essential to a championship run.

Not many teams have the flexibility to move one of the league’s fastest improving shooting guards to the bench. This could prove to be a great move, considering the Warriors lost Jarrett Jack in free agency this offseason.

Thompson is an excellent scorer and posted career highs in points per game last season at nearly 17 points per contest. His 40 percent from 3-point range during his second year in the league is the most impressive asset in his scoring abilities. Last season’s playoff run was the emergence of much of Thompson’s potent shooting.

Prior to beginning the new role, Thompson has happily accepted the chance to contribute to the team. Thompson spoke with the San Jose Mercury News about the move recently.

"“I’m trying to get Sixth Man of the Year,” Thompson joked."

In their first preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Thompson posted a team-high of 26 points. He followed up the performance with 17 points on Monday against the Sacramento Kings. The two solid performances, coupled with a possible rotation of both Thompson and Harrison Barnes in the starting lineup, will provide the Warriors with a chance to always have firepower with their reserves. If they are able to use their offensive and defensive capabilities on the wing, look for the Warriors to finish as one of the league’s top teams this season.

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