The Golden State Warriors wished to start this regular season with a bang. That’s what they did in the first few games, thanks to their savior, Stephen Curry. But then they went on to lose six games on the trot. Moreover, the top stars, besides Steph Curry, have really disappointed the Dub Nation so far this season. Draymond Green had suspension-related issues. But the Dub Nation really expected Klay Thompson to deliver in the absence of Steph Curry and Dray Green.
However, Klay failed to live up to the expectations. Thompson, Curry, and Green have been the dominating trio who helped the Golden State Warriors become the modern-day dynasty. Even after winning four titles, Klay Thompson doesn’t look like a much better player, does he? In fact, former Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas certainly doesn’t think so.
Why Has Gilbert Arenas Been Very Critical Of Klay Thompson Lately?
Recently, the former Wizards guard has been a bit too critical of Klay Thompson. On the Gil’s Arena podcast, Arenas compared Thompson with Desmond Banes of the Memphis Grizzlies. The former Wizards guard is clearly more impressed with Banes’ Development over the years than Thompson’s. As per Gilbert Arenas, Bane has become more of an “all-round” player. But Arenas thinks Klay Thompson remained the same player when he debuted in the league almost 12 years ago. Like Thompson, Bane was also a spot shooter at one point. He showed tremendous growth.
Gilbert Arenas comparing Desmond Bane and Klay Thompson…
— Steven Adams Stats (@funakistats) December 10, 2023
“Bane came in as a straight spot-up shooter… and now he’s an all-round player. Someone like Klay, he never improved to me. You came in as a spot shooter, and even though you have 4 rings, you’re still a spot shooter” pic.twitter.com/sZVtrfN97e
Moreover, Arenas pointed out Thompson’s draft number was 11 in 2011. On the other hand, Bane’s draft number was 30 in 2020. Gilbert Arenas told Xavier Tillman of the Memphis Grizzlies that Klay Thompson never really improved him. Klay Thompson may have won four championships with the Golden State Warriors. But Arenas thinks Klay came as a spot shooter in the league, and he still is the same kind of player. However, Gilbert Arenas thinks the Memphis guard is capable of making his own shot either off the catch or off the dribble. In the 2023-24 season, the Warriors guard is averaging 15.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per contest.
Warriors Have Been On A Horrific Run So Far In 2023-24
Draymond Green’s suspension for five games really did not help their cause. Then, when Green came back, he made a major mistake against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Green fouled right before the final few seconds were remaining. Later, the Thunder scored from the three free throws and the game went on to overtime. Finally, the Thunder won the game 138-136. Hence, even luck is not working for the Golden State Warriors this year.
Moreover, they had a lot to prove this season after how the last season ended for them. Steph Curry and his army thought about defending the championship. Anyway, the Los Angeles Lakers were a bit too strong for them in the second round of the playoffs. Hence, the Dub Nation thought that this season, Curry and his gang would prove the naysayers wrong again and win the 5th title in ten years.
