Klay Thompson’s Dominance Highlights the Warriors’ Regret Over the Buddy Hield Gamble

Klay Thompson has been a key figure in the Golden State Warriors’ success for years, and his journey continues to captivate basketball fans. Recently, his performances have proven that the Warriors may have made a regretful decision years ago, especially in relation to their past trade discussions involving Buddy Hield. Klay has solidified his place among the NBA’s greats, and as his game continues to evolve, the Warriors’ decision to pass on Buddy Hield seems more questionable by the day. This piece will explore Klay’s ascension and how his development has led to the Warriors’ painful realization.

Klay Thompson’s Early Days and Potential

Drafted 11th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, Klay Thompson immediately made an impact. Known for his impeccable shooting ability, Thompson became the perfect complement to Steph Curry in Golden State’s backcourt. Early in his career, he showed promise as one of the most efficient shooters in the league, developing into a two-way player that could both score and defend at elite levels.

However, his success was a result of the Warriors’ faith in his long-term potential. At the same time, the Warriors’ interest in Buddy Hield—at one point considered a possible acquisition—reflects how quickly the team could’ve gone in a different direction. Had they gone for Hield instead of sticking with Thompson, the Warriors would have likely missed out on the invaluable contributions Klay has made over the years.

The Warriors’ Gamble with Buddy Hield and Its Implications

During the 2016-2017 NBA season, rumors swirled that the Warriors were eyeing a trade for Buddy Hield, a shooting guard out of Oklahoma who had caught the attention of many teams for his scoring ability. The Warriors, though, ultimately opted to stick with Thompson. At the time, the Warriors were seeking another reliable shooter to compliment Curry, but their decision to hold onto Klay rather than trading for Buddy Hield paid off in ways that no one could have predicted.

In retrospect, the Warriors’ gamble in passing on Hield was indeed a pivotal moment for the franchise. While Hield is a talented player, he hasn’t had the kind of sustained success that Klay has brought to the Warriors. Klay’s impact, especially in the playoffs and during the Warriors’ championship runs, has far surpassed any predictions made in that era. His leadership, ability to score in clutch moments, and defensive contributions have been crucial to Golden State’s success.

Klay Thompson’s Growth into an All-Time Great

As the years have gone on, Klay Thompson has become a central figure in the Warriors’ dynasty. His shooting stroke has evolved into one of the most deadly in NBA history, with Klay quickly rising through the all-time ranks for 3-pointers made. He now sits near the top of the NBA’s all-time three-point leaderboard, surpassing some of the greatest shooters to ever play the game.

Beyond the stats, Klay’s ability to come through in big moments has been key to his legacy. His back-to-back 60-point game in just 29 minutes against the Pacers, his 37-point quarter against the Kings, and his fearlessness on both ends of the floor have made Klay one of the most feared players in the league.

The Regret for the Warriors: Looking Back on the Decision

The decision to pass on Buddy Hield in favor of sticking with Klay Thompson will forever be debated. While Buddy Hield has shown that he’s a capable shooter and scorer in his own right, the Warriors have seen far greater returns on their investment in Thompson. He has been a foundational player in their three championships and remains a symbol of the team’s success.

Looking back, the Warriors must be grateful for their foresight in believing in Klay’s potential. He’s since transformed into one of the best shooters in NBA history, and as he continues to add to his legacy, the Warriors’ decision has proven to be the right one. While Buddy Hield has had a successful career, he has yet to reach the level of Klay Thompson in terms of championships and historical impact.

Conclusion: Klay Thompson’s Legacy and the Warriors’ Wisdom

Klay Thompson’s rise to NBA stardom has undoubtedly cemented his place as

among the greats. The Warriors’ decision to stick with Thompson rather than taking a risk on Buddy Hield ultimately worked out in their favor, leading to multiple championships and franchise success. As Klay continues to perform at a high level, the Warriors’ decision looks better with each passing season. While Buddy Hield has had a successful career, it’s clear that Klay Thompson has been far more impactful for the Warriors in the long run.