Klay Thompson could eventually go down as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history when all is said and done. His ability to shoot off screens and move off the ball is at an elite level.

Whilst his shooting is a huge part of his game, he is also becoming incredibly important to his team on the defensive end. This is especially the case for Team USA, where he is surrounded by players that are the main offensive options for their teams, meaning he tends to get less touches.

Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski recently acknowledged Thompson’s excellent two-way game, per Marcus Thompson of The Mercury News.

“Klay is really one of the great, complete players on this planet. He's more than a shooter. He's an outstanding offensive player who loves to play defense and really never seems to get tired. He has a great motor. I loved him in the World Cup, and I know I'm going to love him in Rio.”

His physical frame means that he can stay with his man and his incredible work-rate makes it incredibly difficult for offensive players to get the ball.

Thompson himself accepts the fact that he is bound to have a less integral role in the USA team and knows he has to adapt.

Article Continues Below
More Warriors News
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) passes the ball between Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the third quarter at the Chase Center.
NBA rumors: Warriors a ‘team to monitor’ for Giannis’ Bucks teammateMalik Brown ·
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center.
Draymond Green claims ‘rich kid’ problem in hoopsZachary Draves ·
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) looks to pass the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) plays defense in the first half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga’s lab work caught on video ahead of free agencyJackson Stone ·
Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) looks on during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers in game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center with Draymond Green and Thunder's Chet Holmgren in the background
Warriors’ Draymond Green drops Alex Caruso over Chet Holmgren NBA Finals takeJosue Pavon ·
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr talks to guard Brandin Podziemski (2) during the second half.
Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski hilariously shoots down Steve Kerr comparisonsJosh Davis ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
How Don Nelson will ‘protest’ Luka Doncic trade at award ceremonyMalik Brown ·

“I'm just seeing how I fit in on this team, whether it's spotting up from 3 or defending their best guard or whatever it is. Just trying to find my niche, find my role and just go from there. Luckily for us, we have five, six days to figure it out.”

Cleveland Cavaliers stars Kyrie Irving saw a lot of Klay Thompson over the last couple of months. Thompson guarded Irving for a fair amount of the NBA finals, making it difficult for him at times, with Irving also making some huge shots in the series.

Irving is a gifted offensive player, so his compliments will mean a lot to Thompson.

“He's an incredible defender. Think about it. He guards (three positions). He does whatever is asked of him every single night. Having a great guy like that, that also can bring an offensive threat. That's a complete player.”

[button width=”full” button size=”bigger” color=”custom” align=”center” textcolor=”#ffffff” texthcolor=”#ffffff” bgcolor=”#8b0000″ link=”https://clutchpoints.com/klay-thompson-okay-reduced-touches-cites-ginobilis-role-spurs/”]NEXT: Klay Thompson is okay with reduced touches, cites Ginobili’s role with Spurs[/button]