Steve Kerr Opens Up on Klay Thompson’s Career “Mortality”, Days After Controversially Benching 5x All-Star

Golden State Warriors superstar Klay Thompson was moved to the bench after a rough performance. In a recent interview with The Rich Eisen Show, Warriors Coach Steve Kerr, when asked how he’s dealt with Klay Thompson this year with his decision to have him come in off the bench, responded, “We’ve been together for 10 years so we have a great relationship. We’ve known each other for so long, we’ve been through so much.”

Kerr continued, “This year has been a challenge for Klay because he’s used to being this Hall of Fame scorer, defender, All-Star and coming off two career-threatening injuries, you know an Achilles and an ACL at now 33, 34 years old, that stuff’s not easy.” But that’s not all that he said.

Kerr dropped a truth bomb stating, “Athletes have to deal with their own mortality at some point and I think Klay’s been going through some of that and my job as a coach is to help him through it to help him understand how he can still be effective because he’s still very good. You know I just think he has such high standards for himself that he wants to be great every single night and it’s just not going to happen like that.”

Klay Thompson Stats: 2023-24 vs Career Average

The Warriors tweaked their starting lineup for the first time since 2012 around the All-Star break, with Klay Thompson coming off the bench. Valentine’s Day wasn’t the greatest this year for Klay! Thompson’s decision to foul Russell Westbrook with just 39 seconds left in a tight game against the Clippers proved costly for the Dub Nation as the Warriors fell 130-125. Head coach Steve Kerr emphasized in the post-game conference how “We didn’t want a foul…we’re down three with 38 seconds, so it’s an obvious defend and just play it out and get a rebound, and then it’s a one-possession game.”

This season, Klay’s stats haven’t exactly mirrored his career glory days. Thompson’s overall current season averages (16.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists) fall short of his career averages (19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists). Shooting efficiency has also dipped slightly (41.3% FG, 37.3% 3PT compared to 45.3% FG, 41.3% 3PT).

Since the lineup switch, however, Klay, coming off the bench, has been on fire. He’s averaging 18.8 points per game, shooting a scorching 46.2% from the field and a phenomenal 43.4% from beyond the arc – all in just eight games.

As his contract winds down, Klay, now 34, is about to hit the unrestricted free agency zone for the first time. This season has been a bit of a rollercoaster – battling Father Time and the lack of consistent performances. But one thing’s for sure, even if his prime is behind him, Klay Thompson of the “Splash Brothers” will still likely light it up wherever he goes.

Read More: Klay Thompson NBA Draft: John Wall’s Failed Request to Wizards Made Warriors Dynasty Possible