Klay Thompson was the Miami Heat‘s most recent addition this offseason. He completed his buyout with the Dallas Mavericks, which made him an unrestricted free agent. Thompson’s name has been mentioned as a potential free-agent acquisition by Miami after they traded for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
While Thompson isn’t the same player as he once was, he can still provide elite outside shooting for the Heat. The five-time All-Star spent the past two seasons with the Mavericks, averaging 12.9 points on 38.7% shooting from deep.
However, fans don’t believe that Thompson can be as effective. Some admirers have even gone so far as to label him as “washed.” His father, former NBA player Mychal Thompson, came to his defense on Monday’s SiriusXM NBA Radio.
Dec 3, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) looks to pass as Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware (7) defends during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images“If people don’t think Klay can be Klay anymore, leave him open,” Mychal said. “Don’t guard him. Don’t face guard him. I see people still bear-hugging him and not leaving him open for a second. So if he’s not Klay anymore, leave him open and give him open shots. Let’s see what happens.”
Mychal Thompson responds to people saying Klay Thompson is washed
“If people don’t think Klay can be Klay anymore, leave him open. Don’t guard him. Don’t face guard him. I see people still bear hugging him and not leaving him open for a second. So if he’s not Klay anymore,… pic.twitter.com/FZv2PfhZqb
— Heat Central (@TheHeatCentral) August 31, 2026
Ahead of the 2026-27 season, Thompson is expected to have a role similar to what former NBA star Ray Allen had when he joined the Heat in 2012.
Mychal knows that Klay can still make a massive impact in Miami’s bid to contend for an NBA championship. Despite suffering season-ending injuries, he can still be a threat from downtown and do damage with his shooting.
Klay Thompson Believes It’s Championship Or Bust for the HeatMychal Thompson appeared on the “Locked On Heat” podcast on Thursday and spoke about what he thought about Klay Thompson’s decision to join the Heat. The former Los Angeles Lakers player believes Miami could pose a threat in the Eastern Conference. They must, however, give it their all next season.
Thompson said the Heat are in a “championship or bust” situation.
“Anything short of a championship this year is a bust and I’m sure Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra are feeling that way too,” he said.
“You don’t bring Giannis in there to be a deep playoff contender or championship team. That’s the way the Heat better be thinking,” he added. “We get to the Eastern Conference Finals and get ourselves to the finals. Not only get to The Finals but win The Finals.”
The Heat’s situation has gotten more challenging after teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks are all determined to contend for the title.
More NBA News:
- Draymond Green Sends a Clear Message on Klay Thompson Expectations in Miami Heat
- Giannis Antetokounmpo Gets Massive Praise From 36-Year-Old Veteran Star Ahead of Blockbuster Heat Partnership
- Klay Thompson Sends Powerful Message After Heat Arrival as 4x NBA Champion Embraces New Miami Chapter
- 5x All-Star Klay Thompson Receives Stunning Pat Riley Verdict as Heat Eye Another Championship Run
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