Ayrton Oneill
Klay Thompson is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. He was born in Los Angeles in 1990 to a former NBA player, Mychal Thompson, and a volleyball player, Julie Thompson. Klay started playing college basketball for the Washington State Cougars and was selected by the Golden State Warriors as the 11th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. But at what age did Klay Thompson start playing basketball?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Klay Alexander Thompson |
| Born | February 8, 1990 |
| Age | 33 years |
| Height | 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) or 78 inches |
| Weight | 220 pounds (100 kg) |
| Position | Shooting Guard and Small Forward |
| Plays | Right |
| Teams | Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks |
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What You'll Learn
Klay Thompson's early life
Klay Alexander Thompson was born on February 8, 1990, in Los Angeles, California. He is the son of former NBA player Mychal Thompson and volleyball player Julie Thompson. Klay has two siblings: an older brother, Mychel, who played basketball for Pepperdine University and briefly in the NBA with the Cavaliers; and a younger brother, Trayce, a Major League Baseball player.
Given his family background, it is no surprise that Klay took an early interest in sports. He attended Santa Margarita Catholic High School in California, where he began playing basketball. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) tall, he excelled as a shooting guard, showcasing his exceptional shooting abilities from an early age.
After high school, Klay went on to play college basketball for the Washington State Cougars, where he spent three seasons. During his college career, he was a two-time first-team all-conference selection in the Pac-10 (now Pac-12). In recognition of his outstanding college career, Washington State retired his number, No. 1, in January 2020, honouring him as one of their most distinguished athletes.
Klay's talent and potential were evident, and he soon caught the attention of the NBA. In 2011, he declared for the NBA draft after his junior season and was selected 11th overall by the Golden State Warriors. This marked the beginning of his professional basketball career, and he quickly established himself as a valuable asset to the team.
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Thompson's high school basketball
Klay Thompson was born on February 8, 1990, in Los Angeles, California. He is the son of former NBA player Mychal Thompson and volleyball player Julie Thompson. Klay's older brother, Mychel, played basketball for Pepperdine University and briefly in the NBA with the Cavaliers, while his younger brother, Trayce, became a Major League Baseball player.
Thompson started playing basketball at a young age and attended Santa Margarita Catholic High School in California. He excelled in basketball during his high school years and was a highly-rated recruit coming out of high school.
During his time at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, Thompson established himself as a talented basketball player. He was a key member of the school's basketball team and helped lead them to success on the court. Thompson's skills and abilities were already evident during his high school career, and he began to attract attention from college basketball programs across the country.
Standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall even during his high school years, Thompson possessed a combination of size and skill that made him a highly sought-after prospect. He was ranked as one of the top high school basketball players in the country by recruiting services. His impressive performances in high school tournaments and showcases further solidified his reputation as an elite young player.
Thompson's success in high school basketball set the stage for his future career in the sport. His outstanding skills and potential were recognised, and he went on to play college basketball for the Washington State Cougars, where he continued to excel and develop his game before progressing to the NBA.
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College basketball career
Klay Thompson, born in 1990, started playing basketball at a young age. He played college basketball for three seasons with the Washington State Cougars, where he wore the number 1 jersey. On January 18, 2020, Washington State retired his number, only the second WSU men's basketball player to receive this honour.
Thompson's talent was evident from an early age, and he excelled during his college basketball career. He was a two-time first-team all-conference selection in the Pac-10 (now Pac-12). Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall, he played the shooting guard position. His shooting form has been described as "textbook" and "picture-perfect".
During his college years, Thompson's skills as a shooter began to shine. He had a natural talent for shooting and quickly developed a reputation for his exceptional accuracy. Thompson's shooting abilities were a key strength that contributed to his success in college basketball.
In addition to his shooting prowess, Thompson also possessed ball-handling skills that allowed him to contribute to the Washington State Cougars' offence. However, he primarily excelled as a catch-and-shoot player, taking advantage of screens and back-cuts set by teammates to create space for his quick-release shots. Thompson's offensive capabilities were a significant asset to his team during his college basketball career.
Thompson's performance during his junior season caught the attention of the Golden State Warriors, who selected him as the 11th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. Although he faced some initial criticism, Thompson quickly proved his worth by improving his performance across the board. He established himself as a starter and played a crucial role in the Warriors' success in the following seasons.
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NBA debut
Klay Thompson, born in 1990, is a professional basketball player in the NBA. He started playing college basketball at Washington State University, where he wore the number 1 jersey, which was retired in January 2020 to honour his achievements.
Thompson was selected 11th overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2011 NBA Draft. He quickly established himself as a starter, showcasing his impressive shooting abilities and defensive skills. In his debut season, Thompson earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Over the following years, Thompson's performance improved significantly, particularly in shooting and defence, ranking him among the best players in the league. During the 2014–2015 NBA season, he was named to both an All-NBA Team and an NBA All-Star Team. Thompson played a pivotal role in the Warriors' success, forming a formidable partnership with Steph Curry in the backcourt.
In the 2015 NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Cavaliers, with Thompson averaging 15.8 points per game and showcasing his exceptional defensive skills. This victory made him and his father, Mychal Thompson, the fourth father-son duo to win an NBA title. Thompson continued his stellar performance, reaching the finals for five consecutive years and winning four NBA championships in total.
As of 2024, Thompson plays for the Dallas Mavericks and is widely recognised as one of the greatest three-point shooters in NBA history.
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Current team and status
Klay Thompson is currently a shooting guard and small forward for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. He joined the Mavericks in 2020 after spending his first 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, who selected him 11th overall in the 2011 NBA draft.
Thompson is regarded as a prolific and efficient scorer, particularly from the three-point range, and is considered one of the best three-point shooters of all time. He is one of the few players in the NBA sponsored by the Chinese shoe company Anta, signing a 10-year deal with them in 2016.
Thompson stands at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) tall and weighs 220 pounds (100 kg). He is known for his "textbook" and "picture-perfect" shooting form. He plays exclusively at the shooting guard position and has career averages of 19.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
Thompson has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career. He is a four-time NBA champion, a five-time NBA All-Star, and a two-time All-NBA Third Team honoree. He was also named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team and has won gold medals with the United States national team on multiple occasions.
Recently, Thompson has been dealing with an undisclosed illness, and the Mavericks have been cautious with his playing time to avoid any potential injuries. Despite this, he continues to be a valuable contributor to the team, as evident in his recent performances against the Hawks, Orlando, and the Knicks.
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