In this year’s mock draft, I was able to nab Klay Thompson, a 6-foot-6 junior shooting guard out of Washington State. He wasn’t my first choice, but in my mind he was the best available at 15. Dude’s a pure shooter and a pretty solid all-around contributor, who could definitely contribute and learn a few things behind Paul George and Brandon Rush for a little while.
Thompson's greatest strength is far and away his shooting. Admiring him launch up an open 3-pointer is out of this world. It’s like watching a Steve Nash or Glen Rice (if he’s been unlocked) type drain ‘em from downtown on NBA Jam, with those incredible moon shots on their invisible frozen ropes, arching straight out of the gym. Then, as they near orbit, they come straight down on their rope, splash right through the net, which immediately catches fire.
Fire, indeed. He averaged over seven 3-point attempts a game last year, making nearly 40 percent. He even set Pac-10 tourney records with 43 points and eight 3s, in a first round loss to Washington.
Thompson’s a gifted basketball body and spirit. No one disagrees with that. But, he might do too much in certain instances – he averaged nearly four turnovers a game last year at Washington St.
Too much of Thompson didn’t hurt in college, considering he averaged 21.6 points last year, good enough to make him a top 10 scorer in the nation. But, on the next level, he'll most likely be called upon to spread the floor and knock down open looks, instead of being the breadwinner, first option he was out in Pullman, Washington.
Some Pacers fans might find their way into Thompson's past, which includes a run in with the law -- always a sensitive topic for the more conservative Pacers fan -- but they shouldn't read too much into it. Thompson’s situation seems like an isolated incident. Think A.J. Price, a one-time offender, not Shawne Williams, a repeat offender. (No offensive to Shawne Williams; his game is really coming around. I like what he offers, and I think he’s back where he should be.)
Thompson does have some upside. He improved his scoring in college each year. He’s also a dead on 3-point shooter. But he’s prone to turnovers and just an OK athlete. Having said all of that, Thompson was the best choice at 15, and he could get some playing time this season based on his shooting alone, if and whenever his 3-pointer returns from the edge of the universe.
Comments