Steve Kerr Divulges Warriors’ “Challenge” for Accommodating Klay Thompson Amid Struggles: “Changed Circumstances”

The Golden State Warriors got a much-needed win against the Brooklyn Nets last night. Stephen Curry and Co. dominated the Nets 109-98. But it was head coach Steve Kerr’s crunch time decision that caught the NBA World’s attention. Kerr picked 21-year-old rookie Gui Santos over veteran leader Klay Thompson to close the game for the Warriors.

Yesterday’s game was not the first time this season Klay Thompson has been snubbed by Kerr in the closing minutes. Lately, Kerr has decided to bank more on his younger players and bench Klay in crucial moments. One day after his controversial decision to bench Klay, Kerr dove deeper into the challenge of accommodating Klay in the lineup amid recent struggles. “Klay is still a very good player. He still represents something for us. The floor spacing, the defense, the versatility. It’s just different. Part of the challenge for him and us is to adapt to those changed circumstances.” Kerr said in an interview.

Klay Thompson is no longer the player he once was. Injuries and age have slowed Klay down, and his performance has taken a massive hit this season. Klay could not return to his All-Star self and is having one of the worst-scoring years of his career. He is averaging only 17.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists this season. Even in the Nets game, Klay could only score 8 points in 30 minutes and missed all 3 of his three-point attempts. According to Steve Kerr, Klay is still a decent player and can be productive in multiple ways. But he is no longer one of the primary scoring options for the Warriors.

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Klay Thompson might need to come to terms with reality

Steve Kerr showed no signs of remorse when he benched Klay in the last game. That could mean Klay might have to suffer the same fate in multiple games going forward. The 5-time All-Star was very disappointed by his performance and recent struggles after the last game despite the Warriors coming out with a win. He claimed it was very hard to go from one of the best players on the team to a role player. However, no one can defeat Father Time, and the 33-year-old might have to adapt to his new role.

Klay is in the final year of his 5-year $189 million contract, and the Warriors might decide to trade him before the February 8 deadline because of his declined productivity. Even if Klay stays with the Warriors, he will have to get used to the fact that he cannot perform great every night anymore.

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