Klay Thompson could be in a new role for the Golden State Warriors this season. The veteran All-Star has a reputation for being a strong defensive presence despite signs of regression on that end of the court last season.
The Warriors will test a new small-ball lineup in their opening preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers, including Steph Curry, Chris Paul, Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney. During an Oct. 2 press conference as part of media day, head coach Steve Kerr noted how if the Warriors decide to stick with that type of lineup in the new season, Thompson would be an ideal forward defender.
Buy Warriors Tickets“Klay, if we play that lineup that I talked about, which we’re intending on doing, as I said, barring injury,” Kerr said. “Klay would guard the four-man. He’s so physically strong. He’s so used to guarding post-up players after switches. So, we’re thinking Klay can guard as a four this year. We’ll put him in coverage where he has to defend pick-and-roll as a four. That would be a different job for him. We’re planning on doing some of that and seeing how he does.”
Last season, Thompson played his first full year since returning from two serious injuries. In that season, the veteran guard rediscovered his scoring ability from the perimeter. However, Thompson did struggle on the defensive end and will need a bounce-back season on that side of the court.
Steve Kerr sees Klay Thompson's role on defense evolving this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/DNCgOvJR5k
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) October 3, 2023
Part of the role change will be that Thompson isn’t required to stay in front of speedy guards. Instead, he will use his physicality and defensive IQ to contain bigger, stronger opponents. Whether the veteran guard can sustain and thrive in that new role remains to be seen.
