[Saba Sports News] This season, Klay Thompson could be taking on a role reminiscent of Magic Johnson in 1996. Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr recently announced his plan to start Chris Paul, Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Klay Thompson, and Kevon Looney in the team’s first preseason game, as reported by Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area.
Kerr mentioned that Thompson would be assigned to the power forward position in this lineup, emphasizing his defensive strength. If this preseason strategy carries over into the regular season, it would mark a significant shift for Thompson, who stands at a modest 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds and, at 33 years old with a history of injuries, conserves his energy more for the Warriors’ dynamic offense rather than intense defensive play.
However, the idea of Thompson as a de facto power forward may not be as unconventional as it appears. In today’s NBA, power forwards are generally smaller in stature, closer in size to Thompson, and are relied upon for perimeter skills rather than traditional post play.
This strategic adjustment could also be a response to recent injury news regarding Draymond Green.