Programming note: Watch the pregame edition of Warriors Outsiders on Saturday afternoon at 4, streaming live on the MyTeams app.
When the Warriors selected Klay Thompson with the 11th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, they knew they were getting a guy who could turn into an elite shooter.
They didn't know they were selecting somebody who could become an elite defender.
The five-time All-Star now officially checks both boxes.
Was there a specific moment when Klay realized he could be a star on both ends of the floor?
Yes.
Sports
Scott Cacciola of The New York Times has the details:
Thompson began to take on defending lead guards - including Tony Parker when the Warriors ran into the San Antonio Spurs in the conference semifinals. The Warriors lost the series, but it was another learning experience.
"I think that's when I figured out I could be a two-way force in this league," Thompson said.
The Warriors fell to the Spurs in six games in 2013.
In Game 1, Klay scored 19 points (on 8-for-15 from the field) and also recorded two steals and one block. In Game 2, he racked up 34 points (29 in the first half), three steals and one block.
His offensive production slipped over the next four games, as Klay averaged just 10.3 points on 34 percent shooting.
But he helped hold Tony Parker to a 6-for-17 night in Game 4 and a 3-for-16 performance in Game 6 (but the Spurs still won).
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The two-time All-NBA selection is hoping to make an All-Defensive team for the first time this season. But if he doesn't, it's not the end of the world.
"At this point, I've been to the mountaintop," Thompson told the Times. "I've felt the Larry O'Brien Trophy, and that's all I care about at this point: winning."
