Klay Thompson was asked if he models his game after Manu

[NASpurs]

"I just like to play my own game and do what I can. Because I know I can be just as good, if not better, than Manu Ginobili."

:lol

[benefactor]

He's a role player on a good team. Nothing more.

[will_spurs]

He's a role player on a good team. Nothing more.

:downspin:

[Solid D]

'Not surprising. I would expect this coming from Mychal's son. He's a confident and talented young man.

[TheProfessor]

I really don't see anything wrong with that quote. It's not like he's saying he's better than Manu now, just that he's confident in his potential.

[100%duncan]

:lol

[DBMethos]

Realistic goal, amirite?

[timvp]

Speaking of Klay Thompson, Pop and RC had him come to San Antonio a few times before the draft. IIRC, the day before the draft they were with him for most of the day.

On draft day, Thompson went 11th to the Warriors and the Spurs traded for Leonard at 15. Since then, the Spurs have claimed that Leonard was their top choice and everything else was a smokescreen ... but I've always wondered who they would have taken if Leonard and Thompson were on the board. If the Spurs were meeting with Thompson the day before the draft as a smokescreen, that'd be a pretty elaborate CIA Pop maneuver.

Then again, it seems like they were fed up with other teams stealing their picks so perhaps it was CIA Pop . . .

[Bruno]

I see nothing wrong with what Thompson is saying. It's good for a young player to have some confidence in himself. He is having a very good end of rookie season, so I wouldn't even call him delusional. It's not like he is saying that he think he could be better than Wade or Bryant.

[Mugen]

He's a rookie having a good first year. Who's to say he can't have a better NBA career than Manu?

I'm a big Manu homer but can't see anything wrong with what he said.

:lol @ Spurfan getting trolled so easily by Klay F'n Thompson.

[benefactor]

:downspin:
Context, my friend. Not that he is on a good team now, but that's what his ceiling is tbh.

[cheguevara]

I see nothing wrong with what Thompson is saying. It's good for a young player to have some confidence in himself. He is having a very good end of rookie season, so I wouldn't even call him delusional. It's not like he is saying that he think he could be better than Wade or Bryant.

prime playoff manu is very close to playoff wade/bryant IMO. especially in efficiency

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

And ducks just became a Klay Thompson fan.

[King]

It's like some people want players to say, "eh, I'm ok. I'll probably be a serviceable player, at best."

It's the same thing with the Joe Flacco comments. These guys are supposed to have confidence in their abilities. Any athlete who doesn't is probably working a desk job.

[cheguevara]

it's not about that. Manu is a near lock to the HOF. So a rookie saying I know I can be a HOFer or better sounds a bit silly.

[DeadlyDynasty]

And yet David Stern will do nothing about this. How Thompson isn't suspended and/or fined heavily by now is beyond me

:lol

[tmtcsc]

"I just like to play my own game and do what I can. Because I know I can be just as good, if not better, than Manu Ginobili."

:lol

:lol:lol is right. Dude needs to have a long talk with Scalabrine about knowing his role. You aren't as good as Manu Ginobili now and you never will be. He's an NBA Champion, Euro Champion and Olympic Champion.

He's a nobody. And so was his dad.

[SenorSpur]

No way Thompson could ever be as good a fit as Leonard has been thus far.

[coyotes_geek]

1. Good for Thompson. He should be setting his goals high.

2. :lol at anyone getting upset over this.

[MannyIsGod]

I don't ever want to see anyone bitching at Klay Thompson about this remark ever comment about Bonner's nuts shriveling again. You knock an athlete for not "knowing he's a role player" then bitch about one who obviously knows he's a role player. Confidence is everything in this league, and its a good sign when you see an a young athlete with healthy confidence that is not outlandish.

[Nathan Explosion]

I have no problem with Thompson having confidence. However, when your team just got your collective asses handed to you by the Spurs bench, you might want to show some humility.

[will_spurs]

Context, my friend. Not that he is on a good team now, but that's what his ceiling is tbh.

You said "he is", not "his ceiling is" or "he's going to be". So that had me confused.

[Anonymous Cowherd]

My problem is if he had said "Kobe" it would have instantly been top billing b-ball news.

[roycrikside]

His game reminded me more of Ray Allen tbh. He's pretty good at moving off the ball and running around screens and releasing his jumper quickly. Not much of a defender or passer from what I saw.

[DAF86]

I see nothing wrong with what Thompson is saying. It's good for a young player to have some confidence in himself. He is having a very good end of rookie season, so I wouldn't even call him delusional. It's not like he is saying that he think he could be better than Wade or Bryant.

:lol Bruno with the not so subtle troll job on the CoM.

Kid could only hope to be a first ballot hall of famer, imho.

[GSH]

I really don't see anything wrong with that quote. It's not like he's saying he's better than Manu now, just that he's confident in his potential.


I don't see anything wrong with the quote, either. But I also enjoyed it when LeBron promised that the Heat were going to win 7+ championships. I liked it when Rudy Gay said that he hoped the Griz draw the Spurs in the playoffs, too.

The ones I worry about do their talking on the court.

[DAF86]

BTW, I also don't see anything wrong with the comment.

[jestersmash]

There's a nice little ****storm (http://forums.warriorsworld.net/main/) (just ctrl+f: "Ginobili") about this comment over on warriorsworld forums.

By the way, just for quick reference, Manu's career PER by season -

02-03 (rookie): 14.7
03-04: 18.5
04-05: 22.3
05-06: 22.4
06-07: 24.1
07-08: 24.3
08-09: 22.9
09-10: 22.5
10-11: 21.7
11-12: 22.9

It took Manu 3 seasons to get into elite "top 20 NBA players" PER territory.

Klay Thompson PER in his rookie season thus far:
11-12 (rookie): 15.2

:stirpot:

[Keepin' it real]

Who the hell is Klay Thompson?

[Bruno]

:lol Bruno with the not so subtle troll job on the CoM.

Kid could only hope to be a first ballot hall of famer, imho.

The main reason why Manu will easily go in the HOF is because of what he has done outside of the NBA and I'm sure that a vast majority of NBA players, including Klay Thompson, doesn't at all about that.

When it comes to NBA personal distinction, Ginobili hasn't a great track record. Being an all star is maybe the most important NBA award aside of a MVP title and Manu has only been all star 2 times. If Klay Thompson thinks he can be close to Ray Allen's level, a 10 times NBA all star, then he thinks too he can be way better than Ginobili.

[DAF86]

If he doesn't know he should learn, tbh. Dude would be lucky to have half the success Manu had in his basketball career.

[ffadicted]

a lot of vagina in this thread

[NASpurs]

The main reason why Manu will easily go in the HOF is because of what he has done outside of the NBA and I'm sure that a vast majority of NBA players, including Klay Thompson, doesn't at all about that.

When it comes to NBA personal distinction, Ginobili hasn't a great track record. Being an all star is maybe the most important NBA award aside of a MVP title and Manu has only been all star 2 times. If Klay Thompson thinks he can be close to Ray Allen's level, a 10 times NBA all star, then he thinks too he can be way better than Ginobili.

I've always thought All NBA>All Star since being an All Star is more of a popularity contest more than anything else. Maybe it's just me.

[cheguevara]

I don't think anybody is mad here. Just that a guy saying he can be better than Allen or Manu after a mediocre rookie season is pretty silly.

[Obstructed_View]

Looks like a pretty decent player. Setting your sights high is how a lot of these guys get to the NBA.

[TMTTRIO]

The main reason why Manu will easily go in the HOF is because of what he has done outside of the NBA and I'm sure that a vast majority of NBA players, including Klay Thompson, doesn't at all about that.

When it comes to NBA personal distinction, Ginobili hasn't a great track record. Being an all star is maybe the most important NBA award aside of a MVP title and Manu has only been all star 2 times. If Klay Thompson thinks he can be close to Ray Allen's level, a 10 times NBA all star, then he thinks too he can be way better than Ginobili.

I have to agree. Manu's overall NBA career hasn't been that spectacular when it comes down to awards and recognitions. The only way Manu makes into the HOF is based on his international career alone. I love Manu but there's a lot of players in this league that have more talent or athletic ability than him. He's just a great team player that seems to find a way to win though along with him being a pretty clutch one.

[Bruno]

I've always thought All NBA>All Star since being an All Star is more of a popularity contest more than anything else. Maybe it's just me.

All star reserves are designed by coaches. Starters are the result of a popularity contest but most of the time they deserve to be all star.

Being an all star has way more impact than being in a 2nd or 3rd All NBA team even if it's easier to do. When you're an all star, you are part of a huge event that show it. When you are a 3rd NBA team, there is a nothing to show it. Medias put too more emphasis on the all star item. While you can often read/heard "he is playing like an all star", you almost never read/heard "he is playing like a 3rd all NBA player".

[GSH]

Looks like a pretty decent player. Setting your sights high is how a lot of these guys get to the NBA.


He IS a good player. And he's having a pretty damned good season for a rookie. I don't care how good he is, the comment was stupid.

LeBron is a pretty good player, too. Standing up and saying that he is going to win 7 or more championships in Miami was stupid. You can only fail with a comment like that. If he really does win 7+ rings, then it was obvious that he could. If he doesn't, he just looks like a tool. Same goes for Klay Thompson's comment. It's a free country, and he can make whatever comment he wants. Just like all the people who think it makes him a douchebag have a right to their opinion.

This much is true, though. Even if he matches Manu's numbers in the NBA, it won't mean that he would automatically be Manu's equal. Manu's value to his team, whether it's the Spurs or his NT goes well beyond the box score. Throw in the fact that he stayed here and came off the bench, rather than going to a team where he would start, and he's set the bar pretty high.

[DMC]

If KT came to the Spurs he would have a parade of homers and a parade of bashers following him around, both sides sucking his dick.

[angelbelow]

He probably has the talent - but that's barely half the battle in this league.

In general, I like cockiness over shyness and modesty but that comment was just stupid.

[Josepatches_]

I couldn't name a lot of SG better than Manu in the last 10 years. Kobe and maybe Wade could be the only ones and Manu isn't far from Wade in the playoffs

So if he's gonna be better than Manu he will be the better SG of the league in the next 10 years. Good luck.

[Josepatches_]

I love Manu but there's a lot of players in this league that have more talent or athletic ability than him.
:lol:lol:lol

Talent? Pure talent? I can't name a lot...I couldn't name 5 .

If you count athletic ability like talent then it's ok

[Obstructed_View]

He IS a good player. And he's having a pretty damned good season for a rookie. I don't care how good he is, the comment was stupid.

Clearly it matters how good he is, because people seem to believe that his answer is an insult to Manu's greatness.

First of all, he has no reason to love Manu the way you (and I) do, and it's not like he volunteered the comparison; unlike Lebron's 7 titles comment, Thompson was just answering a question. In addition, it's entirely possible that he took being compared to Manu as a shot at his athletecism.

If he'd said "I'm way better than Manu Ginobili," I'd be in agreement with you, because it's ludicrous, or if he'd been a dick in any way about it. But he just said that he thinks he can be just as good, if not better. Lofty? Yep. Impossible? Nope.

[Anonymous Cowherd]

Clearly it matters how good he is, because people seem to believe that his answer is an insult to Manu's greatness.

First of all, he has no reason to love Manu the way you (and I) do, and it's not like he volunteered the comparison; unlike Lebron's 7 titles comment, Thompson was just answering a question. In addition, it's entirely possible that he took being compared to Manu as a shot at his athletecism.

If he'd said "I'm way better than Manu Ginobili," I'd be in agreement with you, because it's ludicrous, or if he'd been a dick in any way about it. But he just said that he thinks he can be just as good, if not better. Lofty? Yep. Impossible? Nope.

It seems weird to think that mere "possibility" is enough to make a comment fine. When I was new to my profession I wouldn't have dreamed of publicly announcing that I could be "as good or better" than a successful well-respected better in my field before having achieved anything. And if I did people would have described me in unflattering terms.

[TheSkeptic]

Clearly it matters how good he is, because people seem to believe that his answer is an insult to Manu's greatness.

First of all, he has no reason to love Manu the way you (and I) do, and it's not like he volunteered the comparison; unlike Lebron's 7 titles comment, Thompson was just answering a question. In addition, it's entirely possible that he took being compared to Manu as a shot at his athletecism.

If he'd said "I'm way better than Manu Ginobili," I'd be in agreement with you, because it's ludicrous, or if he'd been a dick in any way about it. But he just said that he thinks he can be just as good, if not better. Lofty? Yep. Impossible? Nope.

Not necessarily "impossible" but I'd definitely throw the words "highly implausible" into the mix. I'm sorry but Manu has won at every level from the NBA to the Olympics. Klay Thompson will be lucky if he goes decently far in the NBA playoffs. And even if he did play an important part in getting a ring he still wouldn't have Manu's resume.

The only way that the "even better" element of his quote becomes remotely realistic is if he's counting accomplishments and skills by all-star games. Gino has played himself into the Hall of Fame. Does anyone really think Klay Thompson is going there?

[therealtruth]

I have to agree. Manu's overall NBA career hasn't been that spectacular when it comes down to awards and recognitions. The only way Manu makes into the HOF is based on his international career alone. I love Manu but there's a lot of players in this league that have more talent or athletic ability than him. He's just a great team player that seems to find a way to win though along with him being a pretty clutch one.

Some of that has been cause of Pop not starting him.

[DAF86]

Clearly it matters how good he is, because people seem to believe that his answer is an insult to Manu's greatness.

First of all, he has no reason to love Manu the way you (and I) do, and it's not like he volunteered the comparison; unlike Lebron's 7 titles comment, Thompson was just answering a question. In addition, it's entirely possible that he took being compared to Manu as a shot at his athletecism.

If he'd said "I'm way better than Manu Ginobili," I'd be in agreement with you, because it's ludicrous, or if he'd been a dick in any way about it. But he just said that he thinks he can be just as good, if not better. Lofty? Yep. Impossible? Nope.

And Lola. :lol

And I agree, kid probably doesn't know much about Manu and may gotten a little offended that a journalist compared him to a bench player.

[gee]

It's pretty doubtful that going beyond that stat sheet he'll ever have as much as an impact on his team that Manu has had...

[TD 21]

I see nothing wrong with what Thompson is saying. It's good for a young player to have some confidence in himself. He is having a very good end of rookie season, so I wouldn't even call him delusional. It's not like he is saying that he think he could be better than Wade or Bryant.

The problem is not his confidence, the problem is that he clearly doesn't recognize just how great a player Ginobili is. He probably thinks he's just another All-Star caliber player, like a Johnson, Ellis, etc.

And he's definitely delusional. He's got zero chance of ever being as good as Ginobili. The best that can be hoped for is that he becomes a more durable, maybe slightly more well rounded version of Martin.

[GSH]

Clearly it matters how good he is, because people seem to believe that his answer is an insult to Manu's greatness.

First of all, he has no reason to love Manu the way you (and I) do, and it's not like he volunteered the comparison; unlike Lebron's 7 titles comment, Thompson was just answering a question. In addition, it's entirely possible that he took being compared to Manu as a shot at his athletecism.

If he'd said "I'm way better than Manu Ginobili," I'd be in agreement with you, because it's ludicrous, or if he'd been a dick in any way about it. But he just said that he thinks he can be just as good, if not better. Lofty? Yep. Impossible? Nope.


He needs to hire you to do PR for him. That's pretty good.

Look at it this way: how about if Kawhi had come here and said in an interview that he knew he could be just as good, or better than, say, Grant Hill? Or how about Sean Elliott? Would you be applauding him for it, or thinking that the rookie should tone it down? I'd be doing the second. Maybe we're just that different, but I just think it's a bit much to single out another player like that. It would be bad enough for a #1 pick who really set the league on fire - but for anyone else, it's just not smart.

For me, at least, it has nothing to do with it being Manu. That's the one part that's the interviewer's fault. He could have just said that he doesn't pattern his game after anyone, and that he just does his own thing.

[slick'81]

non issue hes freaking http://millercards.net/im_qd_large/qd044.jpg son lol

[Obstructed_View]

It seems weird to think that mere "possibility" is enough to make a comment fine. When I was new to my profession I wouldn't have dreamed of publicly announcing that I could be "as good or better" than a successful well-respected better in my field before having achieved anything. And if I did people would have described me in unflattering terms.

If he'd have called a presser to say it, I'd be on the "what a dumbass he is" bandwagon. I give guys a pass for answering questions.

[DMC]

The problem is not his confidence, the problem is that he clearly doesn't recognize just how great a player Ginobili is. He probably thinks he's just another All-Star caliber player, like a Johnson, Ellis, etc.

And he's definitely delusional. He's got zero chance of ever being as good as Ginobili. The best that can be hoped for is that he becomes a more durable, maybe slightly more well rounded version of Martin.


You don't know how good that kid is going to be and any rookie who would say he's not going to be as good any any other player isn't someone I would want on my team.

[MannyIsGod]

Well its just a good thing they didn't ask him if he could be as good as Tony Parker cause then the CoM would be REALLY pissed.

:stirpot:

[Obstructed_View]

He needs to hire you to do PR for him. That's pretty good.

Look at it this way: how about if Kawhi had come here and said in an interview that he knew he could be just as good, or better than, say, Grant Hill? Or how about Sean Elliott? Would you be applauding him for it, or thinking that the rookie should tone it down? I'd be doing the second. Maybe we're just that different, but I just think it's a bit much to single out another player like that. It would be bad enough for a #1 pick who really set the league on fire - but for anyone else, it's just not smart.

For me, at least, it has nothing to do with it being Manu. That's the one part that's the interviewer's fault. He could have just said that he doesn't pattern his game after anyone, and that he just does his own thing.

I really don't think we're that far apart on this. I completely agree with you on the case you made, except for the one thing I keep going back to: He didn't "come out and say it", he was asked the question and he answered it. He didn't come off disrespectful about it to me in the way he worded his answer. I'm not sure where I've "applauded" his answer. It's frankly kind of a stupid question, and my reaction to reading it was to shrug my shoulders. I guess he could given some vanilla answer or acted like Pop and made fun of the guy asking the questions. Just seems like a non-issue to me, and I doubt we'd be making a big deal about it if Manu's name weren't brought up.

Believe me, my feelings really aren't that strong on this non-issue one way or another.

[Cow Eye]

1. Good for Thompson. He should be setting his goals high.

2. :lol at anyone getting upset over this.

"Getting upset" and thinking it's and hilarious are two different things.

:lmao

[Proxy]

If he wanted to answer the question correctly in regards to skill comparison with a sense of respect or in political fashion, he wouldn't use names no matter the question... but he's a young brat...

I don't see anything wrong with looking at his answer in a negative way... but the high and logical road would be to not give a shit. Manu doesn't care, I'm sure, so I don't.

[Cow Eye]

If he wanted to answer the question correctly in regards to skill comparison with a sense of respect or in political fashion, he wouldn't use names no matter the question... but he's a young brat...

I don't see anything wrong with looking at his answer in a negative way... but the high and logical road would be to not give a shit. Manu doesn't care, I'm sure, so I don't.

Exactly. It has nothing to do with having confidence in your abilities. Of course athletes should have confidence. It's about how he's so obviously not humble when, atm, he's a nobody.

[TheSkeptic]

You don't know how good that kid is going to be and any rookie who would say he's not going to be as good any any other player isn't someone I would want on my team.

There's a difference between being confident in your abilities and being delusional. A good player that has a realistic understanding of the game is one that can be coached in the right direction. A guy who has an inflated sense of his own skill-level probably won't reach his full potential. Give me the realist who plays within himself every time.

Manu has won everywhere he's gone at the highest levels of basketball and he's headed to the Hall of Fame. Thompson is a rookie on the Golden State Warriors. There is no comparison and it's highly unlikely that he'll be better than Manu.

If Thompson simply doesn't know who Manu is, that still reflects badly on him because that means he needs to sit down and do some studying before talking to the media.

And no, this isn't just about Manu. I hate Lebron as much as the next person but if say Leonard came out with a similar statement I'd still be irritated.

[Libri]

Best Case: Mike Miller In Prime
Worst Case: Marco Belinelli

From DraftExpress.com

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Klay-Thompson-5490/

:D

[GSH]

I really don't think we're that far apart on this. I completely agree with you on the case you made, except for the one thing I keep going back to: He didn't "come out and say it", he was asked the question and he answered it. He didn't come off disrespectful about it to me in the way he worded his answer. I'm not sure where I've "applauded" his answer. It's frankly kind of a stupid question, and my reaction to reading it was to shrug my shoulders. I guess he could given some vanilla answer or acted like Pop and made fun of the guy asking the questions. Just seems like a non-issue to me, and I doubt we'd be making a big deal about it if Manu's name weren't brought up.

Believe me, my feelings really aren't that strong on this non-issue one way or another.


Heh... if we're going to start commenting only on the things we care deeply about, ST is doomed. :lol


Hmmm....

Skip Bayless got owned by Jalen Rose... nope.
Corey Joseph sighting in the mall or something... nope.
Does NBA411 think the Spurs are "true contenders".... nope.
Should we tank, for for 1st or 2nd seed (x 10).... nope.
Stephen Jackson mixtape... nope.
Nocioni's possible return to NBA and Spurs... nope.

[Obstructed_View]

Heh... if we're going to start commenting only on the things we care deeply about, ST is doomed. :lol


Hmmm....

Skip Bayless got owned by Jalen Rose... nope.
Corey Joseph sighting in the mall or something... nope.
Does NBA411 think the Spurs are "true contenders".... nope.
Should we tank, for for 1st or 2nd seed (x 10).... nope.
Stephen Jackson mixtape... nope.
Nocioni's possible return to NBA and Spurs... nope.

:lmao :toast