A fan on NBA Reddit dared to poke the bear of Warriors fans’ faithful by insinuating that Klay Thompson isn’t necessarily the world’s 2nd best shooter.
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Its been 2 years since we last saw Klay Thompson light up NBA defenses. The NBA’s best shooting form hasn’t been on display because of two debilitating foot injuries over this intervening period. And it’s a real travesty that we might not see it in full glory ever again.
When fit, Thompson was universally recognized as the NBA’s second-best 3-point shooter. Given Klay’s efficiency and volume, many fans of other teams see fit to call Klay the world’s second-best shooter.
However, there are clear-cut arguments and reasons for other players as the second-greatest shooter ever. Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen, Kyle Korver, Reggie Miller, Steve Nash and Joe Harris have all got their own arguments.
NBA fan talks about Klay Thompson with and without Stephen Curry
The author states from the outset that there isn’t any intentional malice in his post. His language, reasoning and responses to other comments on the thread demonstrate his intent quite clearly. His logic is 4-fold:
A. Klay doesn’t necessarily have the best combination of 3-point percentage and volume
To support this point, the author cites the examples of some of the best seasons by other legendary shooters. He cites how Kyle Korver had 6-7% higher efficiency on 2-3 fewer attempts per game. He also cites how Damian Lillard has 2-3% lower efficiency on 2-3 more attempts per game. In totality, his point regarding is how its tough to find the perfect synthesis of volume and efficiency.
B. Klay Thompson isn’t necessarily the ‘hottest shooter in league history’
The post author questions exactly how long a player has to be ‘hot’ in order for it to be legitimized by all fans. In his views, Kobe Bryant had the hottest shooting game with 81 points against Toronto. He also cites Reggie Miller and T-Mac’s scoring outbursts in clutch wins.
C. Mid-range shots and free throws are integral parts of the shooting umbrellas
Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, Chris Paul and Nikola Jokic are a few players who he’s cited as uniformly amazing shooters from all ranges. He talks about their differential ability to iso and hit their shots properly.
D. Klay doesn’t shoot many unassisted shots
Simply put, Klay doesn’t shoot anywhere close to the number of iso shots to qualify himself in a conversation regarding this. Players on bad teams with middling playmakers alongside them would have to manufacture their own shots on a frequent basis. This is where the likes of Klay Thompson, Kyle Korver, Joe Harris and JJ Redick fall behind their competition.
