Klay upset about Kerr changing Warriors’ starting lineup originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
As the Warriors in Trouble (8-9) Sitting in 10th place in the NBA Western Conference standings, Dub Nation wonders if coach Steve Kerr might consider a starting lineup change.
Former All-Star Wings Klay Thompson And Andrew Wiggins are two of the top five Warriors who have had disappointing starts thus far, as the duo is shooting a combined 40.95 percent from the floor, averaging just 26.8 points per game.
The topic of potential changes to Golden State’s rotation came up after Warriors practice Monday, and veteran Thompson expressed frustration when asked by a reporter if he appreciated Kerr’s patience with losing players of team speed.
“Do you want me to sit on the bench?” Thompson asked the reporter in response Monday. “You want to bench (Andrew Wiggins)? Do you want to put us on the bench? ALL RIGHT. You could suggest it, that’s great. But “Thanks, Steve,” I guess. Like, I don’t know. Sometimes you gain things like patience and time to find yourself. I think history is on our side when it comes to this sort of thing.
Thompson felt offended that Kerr was not patient with the team, pointing to his status as a five-time All-Star and four-time champion under head coach 10 years.
However, Warriors lineups featuring Thompson and Wiggins together are minus-4.3 over 20.3 minutes per night this season, meaning there is some logic right behind the potential moves, should they occur.
Golden State won the 2022 NBA title by launching Thompson and Wiggins alongside stars Steph Curry And Green Draymondbut this year’s Warriors team has yet to show any flashes of the past.
Still, Thompson is adamant that he doesn’t mind the noise regarding the team’s struggling rosters.
“I don’t care what people say,” Thompson told reporters. “They don’t do what we do. They can’t do what we do, that’s why they’re talking. Like, come on. I don’t care what people say at this point in my life. Next question.”
Thompson, who spent his entire 13-year NBA career with the Warriors, understands he needs to improve his game, among other things, for Golden State to get a shot at its fifth ring in 10 years.
Plus, it’s a contract year for No. 11.
