Klay Thompson had an incredible game for the Golden State Warriors just before the All-Star Break, scoring 35 points and going 7-of-13 from the three-point line.
This terrific game was made even more impressive by the fact that he was coming off the bench for the first time since his rookie season.
Speaking to Jason Dumas and the press, head coach Steve Kerr made it clear that Thompson will remain part of the team’s second unit moving forward.
Kerr said he loved what he saw from Thompson and is very happy with the starting five of Steph Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, and Jonathan Kuminga.
He also mentioned that Chris Paul should be back soon and the combination of Paul and Thompson off the bench sounds very good.
It sounds like Klay Thompson will be coming off of the bench for the foreseeable future. Steve Kerr mentions he's excited about a CP3/Klay bench tandem: pic.twitter.com/cbmHbf6IRq
— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) February 22, 2024
When Thompson did so well the other night, plenty of Warriors fans thought he earned a right to return to the starting lineup.
But that isn’t the plan, according to Kerr.
Instead, Thompson will remain part of the bench and that could work wonders for the Warriors.
A stronger second unit led by Paul and Thompson will give the starting five a lot more time to rest.
This will particularly help Curry get more time off and will keep him energized and healthy for the rest of the season.
Thompson remaining on the bench will also allow Podziemski to enhance his skills even more.
He has already had a great rookie season and being in the starting lineup could help him even more.
Thompson’s move to the bench was a big decision by Kerr and it sounds like it is one that he is sticking with.
NEXT: Jamal Crawford Reveals Advice To Klay Thompson Before Role Change
