Earlier during the season, Klay Thompson and Devin Booker went through a back-and-forth battle of words. The once revered three-point marksman was having a tough time taking on the challenge of keeping up with Booker. His frustrations got out of hand and he even received the first ejection of his career. Likewise, many analysts reacted to Thompson’s heated moment. The most brutal admission came arguably from NBA Hall of Famer, Charles Barkley. The NBA on TNT crew member said the Warriors shooting guard just wasn’t the same since his severe injuries.
Notably, before last season, Klay Thompson was absent from any kind of basketball action for two entire years. At a time the 32-year-old was arguably in his prime, the biggest hurdles would intervene in his story. His hellish ride began in the 2019 NBA Finals where the former three-point contest champion would tear his ACL. Unfortunately, Thompson would then suffer an Achilles injury in the following offseason keeping him out even further. When it was time to finally make his comeback, his start was slow.
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The early part of the 2022-23 season brought questions over just what type of player Thompson remains to be after suffering the heavy blows. For Barkley, he said he was once the best two-way guard, but now he is not the same. This drew an emotional reaction from Thompson who said he was hurt by Barkley’s admissions.
Recently, the NBA legend had the chance to clarify his take. Instead, he felt his criticism wasn’t all that grave. Barkley even said the four-time champion overreacted.
Charles Barkley reviews stand on Klay Thompson
Charles Barkley sat down with Taylor Rooks and gave insight into his take on Thompson. According to the celebrated analyst, he never claimed the five-time All-Star was a bad player. Notably, Barkley still believes the Golden State Warriors star can deliver. However, as far as being the best two-way guard, in his eyes, those days are over. The Hall of Famer also admitted to being disappointed with the way Thompson reacted. The Round Mound of Rebound said, “I was disappointed he overreacted.”
Before Klay Thompson could address Barkley’s comments, the Dub Nation seemed to come to his defense. They ripped apart the 59-year-old analyst for his scathing take on their franchise legend.
no mf you a dry ass hater lmao https://t.co/FiSEpKEIdx
— JP (@HTXPEEZY) November 29, 2022
You’ve “been there” the ass kicking part but not the ring part. Let the guys play chuck
— Kwaku Duah (@iamKwakuDuah) November 30, 2022
How’d he overreact all he said was give him time don’t judge him on what we were seeing at the time
— Bluetiful (@dubslightyear) November 30, 2022
Take no responsibility for your actions but blame others for how they reacted pic.twitter.com/5kks2s3p2Z
— Séga (@Tr3nity03) November 29, 2022
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https://twitter.com/Wes4Edmonson/status/1597726271731281920?s=20&t=iM2OcAROpbysePMZCDIpbQ
There is no denying Thompson started the season slow. In October, the five-time All-Star averaged just 12.3 points and 2.5 assists while shooting a career-worst 28% from three. As one of the most lethal sharpshooters in NBA history, these numbers were probably far from what Klay Thompson is truly capable of. However, after emerging victorious from his tough battle with injuries, this was merely a minor setback.
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As far as November goes, the splash brother seems to have found back his rhythm. The 32-year-old has put up 20.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1 steal per game. His shooting overalls have improved drastically as he shoots 44.8% from three. It seems time is all Thompson needs to reach his most lethal. And his improvements might just shut off any scrutiny analysts put on him during his dark times.