Klay Thompson is averaging 17 points during the ongoing 2023-24 NBA season.

This season hasn’t been easy for Klay Thompson. His performance has suffered greatly as a result. He hasn’t been giving the team what they need when they need it.

When he scored more than 20 points in three straight games, many believed that his form had returned. But sadly, in their most recent matchup with the Mavericks, Thompson only managed to score eight points in his 27 minutes of action, sealing another loss.

Former NBA All-Star, Gilbert Arenas, condemned shooting guard Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors for his recent performances, calling him the team’s third option. Shannon Sharpe and Arenas discussed Thompson’s recent performance and declining the contract extension when it was presented in a recent episode of the podcast ‘Nightcap’.

Sharpe started the conversation with how Thompson is not being consistent with his performance. Arenas seconded the notion.

We know it's mental than physical. What option is Clay? 3rd? 2nd? Stop looking at numbers, bro. You're the third option, you have played horribly. 

Gilbert Arenas said on Nightcap

Then Arenas talked about how the team is in the back of Stephen Curry and not in Thompson’s back.

Arenas acknowledged the Warriors’ confidence in their potential to win in the postseason despite his critiques. He credited Stephen Curry‘s leadership and reliable play for this confidence.

Steve Kerr opens up about Klay Thompson’s career after controversially benching him

This season, Steve Kerr benched Klay Thompson numerous times because of his subpar play. With an average of 17 points per game, this season was among his poorest. Warriors Coach Kerr was asked how he has handled Klay Thompson this season and his decision to start him off the bench in a recent interview with The Rich Eisen Show.

We’ve been together for 10 years, so we have a great relationship. We’ve known each other for so long, we’ve been through so much. This year has been a challenge for Klay because he’s used to being this Hall of Fame scorer, defender, All-Star and coming off two career-threatening injuries. 

Steve Kerr said on the Rich Eisen show

Additionally, Kerr discussed Thompson’s “mortality” as a player and how, in his role as coach, he continued to stand by and encourage the five-time NBA all-star.

In his last eight seasons, including the 2023-24 season, Thompson dropped down to maintaining his 20 points. He is coming to his unrestricted free-agency zone for the very first time after declining the contract extension.