Klay Thompson is the other half of the dynamic duo known as the Splash Brothers. He’s a five-time All-Star, two-time All-Pro, and a crucial part of three Warriors Championships. With a lethal stroke, he can put up points quickly and has shown that countless times. Holding the record for the most points in a quarter with 37 just shows how red-hot he can get.
Even with such moments, he is known as a streaky player who’s had shooting slumps, such as shooting 35/90 over four games. That’s 39% from the field but does not represent the player who shoots a career 46% from the field. Klay has shown time and time again that he’s one of the best shooters in the league and a few shooting slumps should not deter from that.
Another step Klay has to overcome is to emerge from the shadow of the other half of the Splash Brothers. Steph Curry is and has been the face of the Warriors franchise and ever since his 2014-15 campaign. Steph is known as one of if not the best shooter of all time. He has been the leader of the Warriors and Klay has always taken a backseat to that. Klay is known as a great player, but also as the second threat after Steph. Being viewed as the second option does not sound like Hall of Fame material, but with how talented Thompson is, he might just cut it.
Klay is known as an elite shooter but also an elite defender, and has shown excellent defense time and time again. He has a crucial role in the Golden States defensive scheme with the responsibility of guarding the best guard. He’s shown elite awareness and quickness while capturing a spot on the All-Defensive team last season. Thompson is an underrated defender, especially with players like Trae Young calling him a top-three defender in the NBA.
Klay Thompson has also been one of the most consistent players in the league while averaging over twenty points a game for the past five seasons and hasn’t shot under 46% from the field. For the past five seasons, his stats look almost identical and haven’t had a big dip or increase in any category. He’s definitely found his role in Golden State and has made the most of it.
Thompson at the moment is not a Hall of Famer, but with longevity and consistent play, he should make it. He has the accolades, stats, and big moments. But winning his titles in Golden State lessens the impact of those titles for Klay; playing in Curry’s shadow his whole career also has hurt his chances. But if he can continue with his play he should be able to get into the Hall of Fame.
Chance of making the Hall of Fame: 75%