Pre-Draft Assessment
Klay thompson draft – Before entering the 2011 NBA Draft, Klay Thompson had established himself as a promising young basketball player. His collegiate career at Washington State University showcased his exceptional shooting ability and all-around contributions on the court.
The draft that brought Klay Thompson to the Golden State Warriors was a pivotal moment in NBA history. Thompson, a sharpshooting guard from Washington State University, was selected 11th overall in the 2011 draft by the Warriors. The pick was seen as a steal at the time, and Thompson has since become one of the most successful players in the league.
Read more about Klay Thompson’s draft and his impact on the Warriors.
College Statistics, Awards, and Accolades
- Averaged 21.6 points per game in his junior season, leading the Pac-10 Conference.
- Named to the All-Pac-10 First Team twice (2010, 2011).
- Earned Pac-10 Player of the Year honors in 2011.
- Set Washington State’s single-season record for three-pointers made (104).
Strengths
- Elite shooting range and accuracy.
- Smooth and efficient shooting mechanics.
- Solid ball-handling skills and court vision.
- Active and disruptive defender.
Weaknesses
- Limited athleticism and lateral quickness.
- Can be inconsistent with his shot selection.
- Needs to improve his strength and physicality.
Draft Day Analysis: Klay Thompson Draft
The 2011 NBA Draft was a pivotal moment in Klay Thompson’s basketball journey. The Golden State Warriors selected him with the 11th overall pick, a decision that would shape both his career and the trajectory of the Warriors franchise.
Factors Influencing Draft Position
Several factors contributed to Thompson’s draft position. Despite his exceptional shooting ability and impressive performances at Washington State University, there were concerns about his athleticism and defensive prowess. Additionally, the draft class was particularly deep with talented prospects, including Kyrie Irving, Kemba Walker, and Kawhi Leonard, who were all selected ahead of him.
Expectations and Projections
At the time of his draft, Thompson was widely regarded as a promising shooter with the potential to become a reliable contributor in the NBA. However, there were some doubts about his ability to defend at the NBA level and create his own shot consistently. Despite these concerns, the Warriors were confident in his potential and saw him as a valuable addition to their young core led by Stephen Curry.
Post-Draft Impact
Klay Thompson’s arrival in the NBA was marked by his immediate impact on the Golden State Warriors. He quickly established himself as a key contributor, playing a pivotal role in the team’s transformation into a championship contender.
In his rookie season, Thompson averaged 12.5 points per game, showcasing his exceptional shooting ability and defensive prowess. His contributions were instrumental in helping the Warriors secure their first playoff berth in six years.
Player Development, Klay thompson draft
Over the following seasons, Thompson continued to develop as a player, becoming one of the most feared shooters in the league. He developed a lethal catch-and-shoot game, while also improving his off-the-dribble shooting and playmaking abilities.
- In the 2014-15 season, Thompson averaged 21.7 points per game, shooting 46.3% from the field and 43.9% from three-point range.
- The following season, he helped lead the Warriors to their first NBA championship, averaging 22.1 points per game in the playoffs.
Impact on Warriors’ Success
Thompson’s contributions to the Warriors’ success were immeasurable. His shooting prowess opened up the floor for his teammates, creating scoring opportunities for Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.
- In the 2016-17 season, the Warriors set an NBA record with 73 regular season wins, with Thompson averaging 22.3 points per game.
- He was also a key member of the Warriors’ back-to-back NBA championships in 2017 and 2018.
Thompson’s impact on the Warriors went beyond his on-court contributions. His leadership and positive attitude were instrumental in fostering a winning culture within the team.
Klay Thompson’s draft stock soared after an impressive NCAA tournament performance, but he wasn’t the only one turning heads. Dalton Knecht , a 6’10” center from the University of South Dakota, also caught the eye of NBA scouts with his length, athleticism, and shooting touch.
While Thompson ultimately went 11th overall to the Golden State Warriors, Knecht slipped to the second round, where he was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
