The Sacramento Kings achieved a significant victory over the Golden State Warriors, making them appear slow, old, and tired. This win is arguably the biggest in nearly 20 years for the franchise, as they won 118-94 to advance in the NBA Play-In tournament. It was a redemption for their playoff loss to the Warriors last season. The game was shocking as Klay Thompson went scoreless, and the team never seemed to get into their rhythm.
After the loss, the sports media started to wonder if this Golden State Warriors dynasty was officially over and who had to go. Thompson’s going into the off-season as a free agent after declining the 2-year, $48 million deal offered will be an interesting dilemma for the team to consider.
Coach Steve Kerr was adamant that everyone wanted Klay Thompson back next year when he spoke with the media after their loss.
Thompson finished the season averaging 18 points, two assists, and three rebounds. Stephen A. Smith mentioned this morning that Klay has taken a step back, and the Warriors will have to consider the price that Thompson asks for if it’s worth what he is seeking.
“I think at this stage and point in Klay Thompson’s career I believe he will have big-time value to a Championship team,” Smith said on First Take this morning. “Could you imagine LeBron James having Klay Thompson to kick the ball out to on the wing? Could you imagine The New York Knicks with Brunson and them boys having Klay Thompson to kick the ball out to.”
Smith also disagreed with TNT’s Charles Barkley last night when he suggested that Thompson will only get worse.
“He’s not gonna get better. He’s gonna make less money but he ain’t gonna get no better. Older people don’t get — sports ain’t for old people. They’re for young people.”
Smith believes that Thompson can have a better season next year because he is a shooter, which is not something he has to primarily worry about his athleticism carrying him as many players do in the later stage of their career.
“I disagree with Charles Barkley, Klay Thompson could play better next year than he did this year, he’s a shooter,” Smith said. “Now if your success is predicated on athleticism Charles Barkley would have a point. But with Klay Thompson, it’s about that stroke.”
Thompson has the opportunity to bounce back. It will be intriguing if a sign-and-trade deal is necessary if Thompson can’t come to terms with the team. The next question remains about how the Warriors will approach Draymond Green this summer. He is already under contract for next year and is often known as this team’s most valuable defensive player.
However, Green’s temper hindered the team with his suspensions and ejections throughout the season. This was a hot topic throughout the season that was a distraction to the team. Green believes that Thompson will do right by the Warriors in the off-season.
“They did right by me. They’ve done right by Steph [Curry]. They’ve done right by all of us. Klay tore his ACL, and they gave him $160 million,” Green told the media.
A true testament to the loyalty and respect this organization has shown this trio through the decade-long run that ended with four rings. The next question will be how they approach the development of their team post-dynasty. Young players like Moses Moody and Johnathan Kauminga continued to improve and play well last night, how you balance youth and experience will bet he biggest question the Warriors have to figure out this summer.
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