Third from Last! Worse than Bronny! Is Klay Thompson Really This Bad Now?

As the NBA preseason has concluded, the excitement and anticipation for the regular season is building. However, a recent statistic has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. Out of 570 players who participated in the preseason, only 231 attempted more than 25 shots, and Klay Thompson's shooting percentage ranked him third from the bottom among those players, with a dismal 24.1% (7 of 29).

To put this into perspective, many fans have expressed frustration over Bronny James's performance during the preseason, who, despite facing heavy criticism, managed to achieve a shooting percentage of 29.7% (11 of 37) over six games. Thompson's struggles are all the more shocking when compared to his fellow players on the Milwaukee Bucks, who filled the bottom two spots in shooting percentage: AJ Johnson, the 23rd overall pick this year, shot just 17.4% (8 of 46), and second-round pick Tyler Smith managed only 24.0% (6 of 25). It is hard to fathom that Thompson's name is being associated with these rookie players, and his preseason performance has indeed been far from impressive.

During the Mavericks' four preseason games, Thompson played in three. His performances included:

• Against the Jazz: 3 of 9 shooting for 10 points, 0 rebounds, and 3 assists.
• Against the Clippers: 0 of 9 shooting for 0 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist.
• Against the Bucks: 4 of 11 shooting for 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists.

In the game against the Jazz, the Mavericks lost by only five points, yet Thompson recorded a staggering -19 in plus-minus, the worst on the team. In the matchup against the Clippers, he was at his lowest, missing all nine attempts, committing four turnovers, and finishing with a -14 plus-minus, the second lowest on the team. The game against the Bucks was arguably his best showing, where he hit 3 of 7 three-point attempts and finished with a +18 plus-minus as the Mavericks won by 25 points. The Bucks' AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith combined to shoot 3 for 20 in that game, which certainly contributed to Thompson’s more respectable performance.

While these numbers are disappointing, they may not necessarily spell doom for Thompson's season. It is essential to remember that the Mavericks acquired him not to reinvent their offensive game but to create spacing on the floor. Thompson's presence is intended to open up opportunities for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, two offensive juggernauts. However, during the preseason, Doncic did not participate, limiting Thompson's ability to showcase his value fully.

Looking back at Thompson's career, his shooting touch remains a significant asset. Over the past two seasons, despite criticism, he maintained respectable three-point shooting percentages of 41.2% and 38.7%. In 2023, he notably sank 301 three-pointers, marking a career high and ranking third in NBA history for single-season three-pointers made.

Yet, Thompson does come with a set of drawbacks. These include:

1. Slow Start: Thompson often requires time to find his shooting rhythm at the beginning of the season. Based on this year's preseason performance, fans may need to be patient as he works through this phase.

2. Declining Defense: At his peak, Thompson was considered one of the best two-way players in the league, often referred to as a "3-and-D" superstar. However, after enduring two significant injuries, his defensive capabilities have diminished, which could pose challenges while playing alongside Irving and Doncic.

3. Inconsistent in Key Games: Thompson once earned a reputation for thriving in clutch playoff moments, earning the nickname “Game 6 Klay.” However, in recent years, he has faltered in crucial situations, such as shooting 3 for 19 in a pivotal Game 6 against the Lakers in 2023 or scoring zero points on 10 attempts in a play-in game in 2024.

Summarizing Thompson's preseason, it is clear he did not perform well, with shooting numbers even lower than those of Bronny James. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that it was merely the preseason. Evaluating his overall contributions during the regular season over the past two years provides a more optimistic outlook on his shooting abilities. With Doncic, a historically elite ball-handler, on the floor, Thompson may find himself with more open shots, allowing him to regain his shooting touch.

For now, Thompson’s immediate task is to rediscover his shooting rhythm and help the Mavericks secure victories in the regular season. His need to prove himself is heightened not only by the competitive landscape of the Western Conference but also to support Doncic in his quest for an MVP award.

On the defensive end, and particularly in high-pressure games, the outlook remains uncertain. The Mavericks’ backcourt of Irving and Thompson may excel offensively, but their defensive issues could persist throughout the season. It is plausible that as the season progresses, Thompson might find himself in a reduced role off the bench, especially if the Mavericks decide to make additional moves to address their defensive weaknesses.

It's also worth considering Thompson's contract situation. Currently, he is under a three-year, $50 million deal, averaging less than $17 million annually. This contract stands in stark contrast to the $43.2 million he earned last season. While his performance is under scrutiny, it’s unlikely that his production could dip below that of former teammate Tim Hardaway Jr.

In summary, Thompson’s struggles during the preseason have raised questions about his current form and future contributions to the Mavericks. Comparisons to Bronny James and lower-tier rookies reflect the harsh realities of preseason evaluations, but as the regular season approaches, there’s hope that Klay Thompson will find his footing and return to being the sharpshooter fans have come to expect.