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Klay Thompson Vs Kawhi Leonard: Ranking Top-5 3-And-D Players In The NBA

By Sai Mohan

Nov 11, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) dribbles the basketball against San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2, left) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 113-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) dribbles the basketball against San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2, left) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 113-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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July 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USA forward Paul George (13) shoots the ball against China in the first half during an exhibition basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
July 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USA forward Paul George (13) shoots the ball against China in the first half during an exhibition basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Paul George

Paul George was an elite defender the second he entered the league. His long arms and innate defensive IQ make him a mismatch for nine out of 10 wings.

But George has had to work on his three-point shooting.

During his sophomore season (2011-12), PG-13 attempted only 3.5 threes per game (in 29.7 minutes). This past season, he doubled the attempts, sinking 2.6 out of seven attempts per game.

He made as many three-point field goals (2.6 per game) as Kevin Durant and J.R. Smith last season. That’s a fine achievement for a player who was never known for his jump shot.

Key Stats

Catch-and-shoot made threes
Rank: 9th (1.8 per game)

Overall attempted threes
Rank: 8th (7.0 per game)

3-Pt field goal percentage
Rank: 43rd (37 percent)

Points per touch
Rank: 16th (0.347)

Spot-Up made field goals (Total)
Rank: Not in top-50

Defense: 3-Pt shots contested
Rank: 6th (4.6 per game)

*(Minimum qualification: Starters, 60 games, 30 minutes per game)
* 2015-16 Stats: Courtesy: NBA.com/Stats

His three-point field goal percentage (37) is still below the league average for great sharpshooters. But George has been improving with each passing year and could near the 40 percent mark in 2016-17.

George’s shot release isn’t as quick as catch-and-shoot specialists such as J.J. Redick, Klay Thompson or Kyle Korver.

But he’s becoming a very efficient shooter off the dribble.

George’s ability to play off-the-ball should ensure that the All-Star forward gets a few more open looks this season, especially with new Pacers point guard Jeff Teague penetrating defenses.

There are other hustle stats which illustrate why George is a championship-caliber player.

During this year’s playoffs, George registered 3.7 deflections per game (during the seven-game series against the Toronto Raptors) and led all players in loose balls recovered (1.7 per game).