Warriors Face Backlash From Ex-NBA Champion for “Disrespected” Klay Thompson’s Recent Struggles

The Golden State Warriors are navigating hot waters right now. Amidst their defensive anchor, Draymond Green’s indefinite suspension, below-average performances by Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins have not helped their case. Klay Thompson has not been the same since he came back from his injuries. His performance this season has been quite underwhelming, considering he is averaging 15.4 points per game while shooting only 34.3% from beyond the arc and a career-low 39.7% from the field. Moreover, his 53.7 true shooting percentage falls well below the league average.

Thompson has not performed at this level since his second season in the league. Therefore, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins blames the Warriors for Klay Thompson’s downfall.

Are the Warriors responsible for Klay Thompson’s declining stats?

In a recent ESPN episode, Kendrick Perkins shed light on Klay’s performance woes to start the season. The most prominent reason, according to Perkins, is his “tension with the organization.” Notably, Klay is in his contract year, and a deal has yet to materialize. “This is a guy that’s going to have a statue outside of that arena, and when you think about Klay right now, he feel disrespected, and so if you don’t have a clear head, you’re not going to go out there, and perform at the level that you’re capable of performing at,” remarked the former Cavaliers center.

Interestingly, Perkins might have a point here, considering that Shams Charania recently reported that talks between Thompson and the Warriors have stalled over the salary and length of the extension. According to Shams, the Warriors offered Klay a two-year, $48 million deal this summer, which is clearly a pay cut since he is currently making $43.2 million this season.

Therefore, a lack of a respectable deal in his contract year might have played a part in his declining performance.

Draymond Green’s actions might cost the Warriors another season

Another factor hampering Golden State’s success this season is their defensive stalwart not being able to get out of his ways. Draymond Green was suspended once again, this time indefinitely, after slapping Jusuf Nurkic on the face during the team’s loss against the Phoenix Suns. This suspension came on the heels of the first one, which was not less than a month ago. He was handed a five-game suspension for holding Rudy Gobert in a chokehold during the team’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 15.

Read More: “We Would Have Held LeBron James Accountable”: Stephen Curry Questioned for His Lack of Leadership for Draymond Green’s Suspension

His “unsportsmanlike behavior” might dampen the Warriors title hopes since the team has a losing 3-5 record without Green in the lineup. Do you think the Warriors can still make it to the postseason? Let us know in the comments!

WATCH THIS STORY | Shaquille O’Neal’s Glaring Error in Rare Talent Flex Immediately Exposed by Angel Reese