Although he is one of the greatest shooters of all time, Klay Thompson has recently had some of the worst misses

Klay Thompson has long been recognized as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. His ability to knock down three-pointers with incredible precision has made him a household name, and his performances with the Golden State Warriors helped shape one of the most dominant dynasties in the league. However, in recent seasons, Thompson has struggled to maintain his once-flawless shooting form, leading to some of the worst misses of his career. This decline has sparked concerns about whether he can reclaim his elite status or if his shooting struggles signal the beginning of the end of his dominance.

Klay Thompson’s Legacy as an Elite Shooter

A Historic Three-Point Specialist

There was a time when Klay Thompson was nearly automatic from beyond the arc. His quick release, unwavering confidence, and ability to shoot under pressure made him a nightmare for defenders. Over the years, Thompson has delivered some of the most iconic performances in NBA history, including his unforgettable 37-point quarter in 2015 and 60-point game on just 11 dribbles. His efficiency, especially in catch-and-shoot situations, made him a perfect complement to Stephen Curry in the Warriors’ system.

Overcoming Injuries to Return to the Court

Thompson’s career took a dramatic turn after suffering back-to-back injuries – a torn ACL in the 2019 NBA Finals and an Achilles tear in 2020. These devastating setbacks forced him to miss two full seasons, and while he made a strong return in 2022, his shooting has not been as consistent as it once was. Though he still has the ability to catch fire and dominate from deep, he has also had some of the worst misses of his career, raising concerns about whether his shooting struggles are physical, mental, or a combination of both.

Klay Thompson’s Recent Shooting Struggles

Uncharacteristic Misses in Key Moments

Even the best shooters in the game go through slumps, but Klay Thompson’s recent struggles have been alarming. There have been multiple instances where he has missed wide-open shots that he would have easily made in his prime. Fans and analysts have noticed that his mechanics seem slightly off, with less arc on his shot and a slower release.

One of the most notable examples came in a crucial game where Thompson air-balled a wide-open three-pointer, something that would have been unthinkable a few years ago. Similarly, he has struggled with free throws, an area where he once thrived. The uncharacteristic nature of these misses has led to speculation about what might be causing the decline.

Declining Shooting Percentages

Statistically, Klay Thompson’s shooting percentages have declined compared to his prime years. In his best seasons, he regularly shot over 40% from three-point range, but in the past couple of seasons, that number has fluctuated significantly. His field goal percentage has also dipped, reflecting a lack of rhythm and consistency.

Several factors contribute to this downturn:

• Reduced Elevation on His Shot – Due to his past injuries, Thompson doesn’t seem to generate the same lift when shooting, affecting his shot mechanics.

• Fatigue and Wear-and-Tear – The NBA’s fast pace can be grueling, and after missing two years, his legs may not have the same endurance they once did.

• Confidence Issues – Even elite shooters can struggle mentally after missing key shots, leading to hesitation and self-doubt.

Is Klay Thompson’s Struggle Temporary or Permanent?

Signs That He Can Bounce Back

Despite his recent shooting woes, there are reasons to believe that Klay Thompson can still be an effective shooter in the NBA. He has shown flashes of his old self, including games where he has caught fire and hit multiple three-pointers in quick succession. His shooting mechanics, while inconsistent at times, still resemble the form that made him a future Hall of Famer.

Additionally, Thompson has the experience and work ethic to make the necessary adjustments. Many players have gone through shooting slumps only to return stronger. With the right training and mental focus, he can still be a valuable asset to his team, even if he’s no longer the dominant force he once was.

Adjusting to a New Role

As Klay Thompson gets older, he may need to adjust his role within his team. Instead of being a primary offensive weapon, he could focus more on catch-and-shoot opportunities, similar to how Ray Allen transitioned later in his career. If Thompson embraces this role, he could still be a dangerous three-point specialist without needing to create his own shot.

The Dallas Mavericks, his current team, have a deep roster, and with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving handling the bulk of the offensive workload, Thompson can still be effective in limited but meaningful minutes.

What’s Next for Klay Thompson?

Can He Regain His Shooting Touch?

For Klay Thompson, the key to bouncing back will be focusing on his fundamentals and regaining confidence in his shot. If he can work on his shot mechanics, improve his conditioning, and find ways to adjust his game, there is a strong chance he can still be a dangerous shooter in the league.

However, if his shooting struggles continue, it could lead to further reduced playing time and even trade speculation. Teams may hesitate to rely on a player who is no longer as consistent as he once was, especially in high-pressure situations.

A Future Beyond the NBA?

While it may be too early to think about retirement, there is always the question of how long Thompson wants to continue playing if he can’t perform at his usual level. Some veteran players choose to finish their careers overseas or in lesser roles within the NBA. However, given his legacy, it’s likely that Thompson will want to fight through his struggles and end his career on a high note.

Conclusion: Is Klay Thompson’s Shooting Decline a Temporary Setback or a Permanent Change?

There is no denying that Klay Thompson is one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. However, his recent shooting struggles and uncharacteristic misses have raised serious concerns about his future. Whether it’s due to injuries, fatigue, or mental hurdles, his game is no longer as automatic as it once was.

That said, all-time greats find ways to adapt. Thompson still has the potential to adjust his role, improve his shooting mechanics, and contribute to a contending team. If he can regain his confidence and find consistency, he may still have several years of impactful basketball ahead.

For now, the basketball world will be watching closely to see if Klay Thompson can silence the doubters and remind everyone why he is considered one of the greatest shooters of all time.