Ht/Wt: 6-7 / 202 lbs
Position: SG/SF
Team: Washington State
Class: Junior

2011 Draft Profile - Klay Thompson

One of the top 3 players in the Pac 10, Klay has a high skill level and has improved each year at WSU while being the focal point of the team since he arrived. Thompson profiles as a true sg, he prefers too shoot from the outside but can take you off the dribble if you play him too close. Thompson has ideal length, terrific shooting range and accuracy from the outside. As the team’s primary scorer and outside shooter he almost always was taking contested shots, which bodes well. Great shooter coming off screens or off the dribble from deep. He has a quick and high release point and great mechanics. He also can score at the rim in half court sets in your not defending the hoop well enough or finish strong in transition. Thompson played spot minutes at PG, he handles the ball and finds teammates well. NBA level athleticism was on display with good rebounding, steals and blocks for his position. Should be an average to solid defender. Great FT shooter.

Klay is wiry strong but can stand to add some bulk. His ability to score at the rim will be far more challenging at the next level since his strength and athleticism will only be average. Needs to find other ways to score. He either looks to let it go, or takes a straight line to the hoop and sometimes gets out of control. He could use a more efficient mid range/ pull up game, changing speeds and hesitation moves would go a long way in completing his offensive arsenal. Also, he is streaky, since shooting will be his calling card in the NBA, when he has off nights he will add little to his team. A former NBA father, all accounts are that he is a good kid, but did have a marijuana arrest and gets over-emotional at times. He will have to adapt to a far different role for a NBA team.

Thompson may be a hidden prospect in Pullman. His skill level is proved by how he adds to his game each year, to go with NBA bloodlines. I think Klay spends his career on the fringe of a starting SG and a valuable player of the bench.

NBA comparison- Wesley Person
Player profile submitted by: Tom Patterson

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Klay Thompson Videos

Klay Thompson Dunk vs EWU


Klay Thompson Dunk vs Standford


Klay Thompson Highlights - 2008





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