?You?ve Shrunk, You?ve Diminished?: Stephen A. Smith Obliterates Klay Thompson for Persistent Struggle

The Golden State Warriors are in a world of trouble. They are on a six-game losing streak and have fallen to the 10th spot in the Western Conference standings. No player on the Warriors roster other than Stephen Curry has been able to perform consistently, and despite having one of the best squads on paper, they are looking miles away from being a Championship team. One of the reasons for their early season struggles has been the performance of Klay Thompson.

Thompson, who was once the pillar of the Warriors franchise, has failed to live up to his standards this season. He is averaging only 14 points this season, his worst scoring average since his rookie season. Stephen A. Smith is tired of Klay Thompson?s struggles, and he obliterated the 4-time Champion on his show.

Stephen A. Smith slams Klay Thompson for his performance

Klay Thompson is struggling to get his shots off this season. He has struggled from the three-point line, shooting only 33 percent. It is concerning since three-pointers have been Klay?s strongest attribute throughout his career. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith addressed Klay?s shooting struggles on The Stephen A. Smith Show and had a blunt message for the Warriors guard, ?That means defenders are figuring out how to defend you, or you?ve shrunk, you?ve diminished. You?re not who you used to be.?

Klay has not been the player he once was since his injury. Klay tore his ACL in his left knee during Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals against Kawhi Leonard and Co. Just when Klay was starting to recover from that injury, he tore his right Achilles during practice in 2020. That led to the 4-time Champion missing nearly three NBA seasons. He luckily won his 4th ring the same year he returned from injury, but the downfall in Klay?s performance was starting to show from the get-go. This year, the 33-year-old?s struggles have been more evident than ever, and he needs to address those issues if he wants a massive contract extension.

Will the Warriors pay Klay Thompson?

Klay Thompson is in the final year of his $189 million contract. The Warriors have not extended the 33-year-old?s contract yet, and Klay?s performance this season could determine his future at Golden State. The 5-time All-Star will be looking for a sizable deal to continue his career in Golden State, but the Warriors front office might be assessing if Klay is worthy of a big contract extension.

Read More: Can Chris Paul Solve the Massive Klay Thompson ?Problem? for the Warriors?

We might see Klay enter free agency next season and finally suit up for a team other than the Warriors. One probable destination for the veteran guard could be the LA Lakers. Klay has roots in California, and he will be a great fit with LeBron James as the King can get him open shots and end his shooting struggles. The NBA World will have to wait and see how this season goes for Klay Thompson.

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Do you think Klay will extend with the Dubs? Or will he end up going to the Purple and Gold? Let us know your thoughts below.