Klay Thompson has once again come under criticism from former player and pundit Charles Barkley due to the Golden State Warriors’ poor start to this season.
“I was disappointed that Klay Thompson took it personally. I said a few years ago that I thought he was the best point guard in the NBA.” Barkley said.
“But, because of age and injuries, he is no longer the same player. Still, at no point did I say he was a bum. However, he is no longer the same player.” Barkley added.
The former NBA superstar also questioned Thompson’s comments because, in his opinion, he can’t go back in time. As a result, the guard’s missed time due to the injury cannot be made up.
In Barkley’s opinion, in order to return to playing at a high level, Thompson must stop “using the crutches” of the past and focus on the moment.
“I was talking about what I’ve seen. When he came back for the finals last year, he told the coach to give his time.” Barkley said.
“But when you get older, time is not your friend. I love Klay. So this situation bothers me.”
“Like I said, I used to say he was the best point guard in the NBA. However, I say it again: age and injury made him not the same anymore. In that sense, I was also worthless in my last few years in the NBA,” he added.
Barkley beliebed that, while Thompson can still play at a high level, he will never be able to act with the same consistency as he once did.
However, he should be proud to be able to get back on the court after all the odds he’s overcome in the last two years.
“Guys who have these two serious injuries usually don’t come back. Besides, he’s only going to age from here on out.” Barkley said.
“He might still be a great player in the league, but we all get old. And there’s nothing wrong with that.”
“However, combining age with the two injuries, things get more difficult. So this is my only warning,” Barkley added.
