Klay Thompson dazzled at the American Airlines Center on Thursday, leading the Mavericks past the Spurs. After 13 seasons with the Warriors, the 34-year-old sharpshooter embraced his new Dallas uniform. In just 26 minutes, he dropped an impressive 22 points. But hours before the game, a familiar shadow from his past reappeared, casting a fresh challenge for the star.

Five-time All-Star Klay Thompson ended last season with 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, shooting 43.2% from the field and 38.7% from three across 77 games for the Warriors. Yet Hall of Famer Charles Barkley questions if that’s enough, pointing out that injuries in 2019 and 2020 changed Thompson’s game. Chuck believes age and injuries have kept Klay from returning to his prime form.

Speaking on the Inside the NBA pregame show, Barkley had nothing but praises for the 4x champ. Klay Thompson’s brilliant career, adorned with accomplishments is an undeniable fact. However, the NBA legend remains skeptical about Captain Klay’s role in the league moving ahead.

“[Klay] was the best two-guard in a span of X amount of years, offensively and defensively,” Barkley said. “He’s a future first-ballot Hall of Famer. Everybody likes Klay Thompson, but no player gets better with age. He got the two bad breaks, the ACL and the Achilles, and that’s the reason the Warrior wanted to move on. He’s not the same player.”

The former Phoenix Suns icon added: “He’s got a great, great career. He’s a great dude, but Father Time is undefeated. And you factor in those two major injuries, an Achilles and ACL, those are really bad injuries.” Klay Thompson may not be the player he once was, but he can undoubtedly support Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic as the Dallas Mavericks‘ third or fourth-best option. However, the former Splash Brother of the Golden State Warriors remains sixth on the NBA’s all-time three-pointers made list. He also shot 41.3% from the three-point range for his career.

Back in 2022, Charle Barkley had taken his moment to comment on Thompson’s declining career. The statements were a bit too harsh for the fresh 4x champion and Klay was considerably “hurt.” However, Stephen Curry’s mum, Sonya extended her support to her son’s teammate and whatever she told Klay Thompson then, it seems the icon is following every word to the tee.

“Don’t owe anyone any explanation” – Sonya Curry’s inspiring words for Klay Thompson

Two years ago, Chuck pointed out three factors that he believed were impacting Klay Thompson’s performance: “He’s still a good player, but he’s never going to be that guy again for three reasons: age, Achilles, and ACL.” He further remarked, “Klay is still a heck of a player, but he’s never going to be the best two-guard in the NBA that he was for a long time.” These comments upset the multiple All-Star, leaving him “hurt” by Barkley’s words. Thompson later explained to the press that he returned after two years of injuries and still managed to win the championship. Only he truly understands the challenges he faced to regain his form with the Warriors.

These justifications evoked an unprecedented emotion in Steph Curry’s mom, who had a few words of wisdom for Thompson. “You don’t owe anyone any explanation! You at your proclaimed “not the same” self are still better than most of the current, and past players in the NBA. Focus on God, your team, and yourself! You still got 4 rings! How many players can say they have even 1?… I want to see that Champion’s smile again!! True Champions exude indescribable peace and joy even through challenging times! Never let them see you sweat!”

Klay Thompson is living up to Mama Curry’s words. A future Hall of Famer and an icon of the game, Captain Klay continues to have the same lethal effect on his rivals. Barkley’s opinions as a former NBA star and legend of the sport may have valid points to think about. However, the fact that Thompson is one of the greatest hoopers of this generation is undeniable. The 34-year-old shooting guard is a captivating entertainer on the floor, with or without the Bay Area’s golden jersey.