Klay Thompson came off the bench against the Utah Jazz on Thursday (Feb. 15.) It was the first time a healthy Thompson hadn’t been part of the Golden State Warriors starting lineup since 2012. However, Steve Kerr‘s gamble paid off, as the veteran wing produced 35 points off the bench to help spur his team toward a much-needed win heading into the All-Star break.
After enduring a difficult season, being moved to the bench was a new hurdle being put in Thompson’s way. It’s also another sign that he’s no longer the star talent he once was. Although, he is still capable of making an elite impact on a game.
When speaking to the media following Golden State’s victory, Kerr noted how Thompson will remain in his new bench role after the All-Star break. Still, Kerr was quick to stress how the role change isn’t permanent but wouldn’t be abandoned any time soon.
“Kerr said he plans to keep Podziemski in the starting lineup and Thompson off the bench after the All-Star break, saying the move isn’t “permanent,” but he wants to give it a healthy look,” The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported.
Thompson, 34, could excel as the Warriors’ sixth man. He would have less pressure on his shoulders and could wreak havoc on the opposing team’s second units. As we saw against Utah, he could also be the flamethrowing scorer the Warriors need in their second unit.
Accepting a new role within the Warriors rotation could be the move that extends Thompson’s tenure in the NBA. His value as a starter is clearly slowly diminishing, whereas he may still have plenty to offer as a bench contributor. Of course, we only have a one-game sample size at present. We will learn more once the Warriors are back on the court after the All-Star break.
