Is Klay Thompson Still an Elite Shooter or Just a Role Player Now?

Few NBA players have carried the reputation that Klay Thompson has when it comes to pure shooting. Known as one half of the legendary “Splash Brothers” alongside Stephen Curry, Thompson has long been considered one of the best perimeter threats in basketball history. His resume speaks for itself: five-time All-Star, four-time NBA champion, and someone capable of catching fire in a way that few players ever could. Fans will never forget his 37-point quarter, or his NBA-record 14 three-pointers in a single game. But as the 2025 season progresses, a serious question has begun to emerge: Is Klay Thompson still an elite shooter, or has he transitioned into more of a role player?

The Legacy of Klay Thompson’s Shooting

At his peak, Klay Thompson’s shooting efficiency was the gold standard in the NBA. He combined lightning-quick mechanics with a high release point, making his jumper nearly unguardable. Defenses were often stretched to their breaking point because guarding Curry alone was already a nightmare, and leaving Thompson open was essentially conceding three points.

What separated Thompson from many shooters wasn’t just accuracy, but his ability to produce in high-pressure moments. Whether it was his iconic Game 6 performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016 or countless Finals appearances, Thompson consistently delivered when his team needed him most. His reputation as one of the best two-way guards in the league—an elite shooter who could also defend the opponent’s best perimeter scorer—cemented his place among the greats.

The Injuries That Changed Everything

The story of Thompson’s decline begins with two devastating injuries. First came the torn ACL in the 2019 NBA Finals against Toronto. Just as he was set to make his return, tragedy struck again: a torn Achilles sidelined him for the entire 2020–21 season. Missing back-to-back prime years is devastating for any athlete, and for someone who relied on mobility, rhythm, and endurance, the impact was profound.

When Thompson finally returned, he still showed flashes of brilliance. His jump shot remained smooth, and his ability to hit from deep was never completely lost. But the difference was in consistency. The nights where he looked like vintage Klay became less frequent, and he increasingly relied on spot-up opportunities rather than creating off the dribble.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Even in his post-injury seasons, Klay Thompson has remained one of the NBA’s top three-point shooters, often ranking near the top of the league in made threes. However, his shooting percentages and overall impact have dipped. Once known for both efficiency and volume, Thompson now leans more toward being a high-volume but streaky shooter.

His 2023–24 campaign illustrated the duality of his current state. He had games where he looked unstoppable, hitting 7 or 8 threes in a night, reminding fans of his prime self. But those performances were counterbalanced by prolonged slumps, games where he shot 2-for-10 or struggled to find rhythm.

Defensively, the decline has been more pronounced. Once capable of locking down opposing guards, Thompson now struggles against quicker players, forcing Golden State to adjust rotations. The Warriors’ reliance on younger players like Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga for defensive assignments underscores how his role has shifted.

Elite Shooter or Role Player?

The truth may lie somewhere in between. Klay Thompson is still an elite shooter in terms of skillset, but his role has undeniably diminished. He is no longer the automatic All-Star who can carry an offense on his own. Instead, he functions as a specialist—a player whose primary job is to space the floor, knock down threes, and provide veteran leadership.

That does not mean his value has disappeared. In today’s NBA, where spacing and three-point shooting are more important than ever, a player like Thompson still commands respect from defenses. Even when he’s not hitting shots, defenders can’t afford to leave him open, which helps create opportunities for teammates.

However, expecting him to be the same two-way force he was in his prime is no longer realistic. His defense has regressed, his athleticism isn’t what it used to be, and his ability to sustain elite shooting across an 82-game season has waned.

The Shift in Golden State’s Hierarchy

The Golden State Warriors have also changed. While Curry remains the engine, the supporting cast is evolving. Draymond Green continues to provide leadership and defense, but younger players like Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis are earning bigger roles. Thompson’s transition to more of a role player is not just about his individual decline, but also about the Warriors adapting to the future.

His minutes and usage rate reflect this shift. While he still starts games, he is often asked to play within a system rather than being a go-to scorer. When he gets hot, the Warriors feed him; when he’s cold, they look elsewhere. That wasn’t the case in 2016 or 2018, when Thompson’s shooting was a constant pillar of Golden State’s success.

What Does the Future Hold for Klay Thompson?

As of 2025, Thompson’s career faces an interesting crossroads. He remains a valuable player, but his days as a superstar are gone. The question is whether he will embrace a Ray Allen–like transformation, becoming a lethal spot-up shooter in reduced minutes, or if pride will keep him chasing the role of an All-Star he once was.

Much will depend on how the Warriors structure their roster moving forward. If Curry continues to play at an elite level and younger players develop, Thompson could thrive as a veteran sharpshooter who picks his spots. If injuries or roster turnover force him into a bigger role, however, it may expose the limitations of his current game.

Conclusion

So, is Klay Thompson still an elite shooter or just a role player now? The answer is both. His shooting mechanics and ability to get hot in an instant still make him elite in skill, but his overall impact and consistency have shifted him into more of a specialized role player. That doesn’t diminish his legacy—few players return from the injuries he endured and still contribute at a high level.

Ultimately, Thompson’s value lies in his ability to stretch defenses, knock down clutch threes, and bring championship experience to a team still hungry for titles. He may no longer be the unstoppable Game 6 Klay of old, but he remains a vital piece in Golden State’s puzzle, just in a different capacity.