NBA Draft Profile: Klay Thompson
Jun 6, 2011, 7:40 PM | Updated: Jun 9, 2011, 7:25 pm
Klay Thompson is a prospect most Suns fans should recognize. For the past three years this elite shooting guard has been lighting up the Pac-10 with Washington State. As a scorer from the shooting guard position Thompson has it all.
His shooting range extends to the NBA three and beyond. It is a shot that he can create off the dribble or running through screens. What makes him a unique scorer is that he has the ability to make the right decisions with the ball.
He is a quality ball-handler that is elusive with both hands and can finish either way. When Thompson gets into open space, he is explosive enough to finish over defenders with a fierce dunk and crafty enough to slither around them for an easy layup. Thompson is at his absolute best when the defense fears his ability to put the ball on the floor and backs off, allowing him to unleash his shooting ability.
As an offensive weapon, Thompson is an ideal fit for the Suns and brings a flavor they have not had since Joe Johnson. His defense on the other hand, that leaves more to be desired, which again fits in perfectly with this team. He is long enough, smart enough and athletic enough to become a quality defender, but it is a work in progress at this point.