Klay Thompson likens his new role to Manu Ginobili's / News - Basketnews.com

Golden State Warriors superstar Klay Thompson likened his recently changing role in the team to that of Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs legend.

Credit: AP Photo/Jeff Chiu - Scanpix Credit AP Photo/Jeff Chiu - Scanpix

Klay Thompson, one of the "Splash Brothers" of the Golden State Warriors alongside Stephen Curry, now has a more limited role in the rotation after demonstrating weak performances throughout the last two seasons.

Klay Thompson

Team:Golden State WarriorsPosition:SG, SFAge:34Height:201 cmWeight:93 kgBirth place:Los Angeles, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

Even though the player has had trouble adapting to his new role initially and had reservations, he had 35 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists in just 28 minutes coming off the bench in a win against the Utah Jazz on February 16.

For the shooting guard, the case of Manu Ginobili, one of the most iconic sixth men in NBA history, was motivational.

"The important thing is that I realized that I will play enough time. So it is enough to leave your ego when you come from the bench. I thought of Manu Ginobili," said Thompson. "This guy has four rings and a gold medal and he's been coming off the bench his whole career," explained the Warriors sharpshooter.

Thompson's reduced efficiency in these two years has coincided with a downturn in the team's power as well, as the Warriors went from NBA champions in the 2021-22 season to being eliminated in the early stage of the playoffs in the 2022-23 season.

In a search for alternatives, team coach Steve Kerr has opted to reduce Klay Thompson's role, cutting him from the starting five and resorting to call him from the bench.

This year, the guard is averaging 17.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game on 42.1% field goal shooting.

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