Klay Thompson: ‘I Worked Harder This Summer Because…'

Last season, Klay Thompson was an All-Star for the third straight year.

He had a fantastic season.

And after capturing his second title in three years, he didn't rest on his laurels this summer.

"I worked harder this summer because I know how many more teams are gunning for that title," Thompson said at Media Day last Friday. "Everyone wants to see the Warriors lose now. Which is fine. It's a great position to be in when you're probably the most hated team in the league ... we embrace it...

"These teams aren't just sitting back and waiting for something to happen. They're being active out there in the market, and you gotta respect that ... it's crazy -- the West just got stronger. But it will be fun.

"Like I said, teams aren't waiting for something to happen. They're not waiting to get lucky. They're doing something about it and we take notice. And that keeps us on the edge and it doesn't allow us to rest one bit."

The 27-year old averaged 22.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game last year, while shooting just under 47 percent from the field, 41.4 percent from deep and 85.3 percent from the free throw line.

"I can always be more efficient," Thompson said. "I know Steph and KD have hit the 50-40-90 mark so I'd like to join that club with them. That would be sweet."

In 2015-16, Steph Curry shot 50.4 percent overall, 45.4 percent from 3-point territory and 90.8 percent from the charity stripe.

In 2012-13, Kevin Durant shot 51 percent overall, 41.6 percent from 3-point territory and 90.5 percent from the charity stripe.

After practice on Monday, Thompson was asked about working on his off-the-dribble shot.

"I'm just trying to tighten my handle as much as I can. Play within tight spaces, because my catch-and-shoot ability will always be there," Thompson told reporters. "Trying to tighten up other parts of my game."

Thompson made over 43.3 percent (244-for-563) of his catch-and-shoot 3-pointers last year, compared to just 28.9 percent (24-for-83) of his pull-up treys.

The year prior, his splits were 44 percent (237-for-539) on catch-and-shoot 3s and 35.8 percent (38-for-106) on pull-up 3s.

In 2014-15: 46.5 percent (174-for-374) on catch-and-shoot and 39.9 percent (61-for-153) on pull-up.

Drew Shiller is the co-host of Warriors Outsiders and a Web Producer at NBC Sports Bay Area. Follow him on Twitter @DrewShiller

Copyright CSNBY - CSN BAY
Contact Us