8. Klay Thompson, 2011, 11th overall
It wouldn’t be a complete list without a player like Klay Thompson on it. Even though he’s been somewhat overshadowed by Stephen Curry in Golden State, there’s no question that the Warriors would not be in the place they are as a franchise without the contributions of Thompson.
Thompson has been a good player since his arrival in the league and has quickly become one of the best shooters in the game and one of the better wing defenders. It was unfortunate to see him go down in last year’s postseason with a bad knee injury but the hope is that he can get back to form during the 2020-21 season.
Thompson would be a star on any other team and would be a good No. 1 option. However, next to Curry, he becomes a great No. 2. He has won two NBA Championships and there’s a really good chance that he could win another in Golden State.
Klay Thompson very much deserves a spot on this list even though he’s mostly overlooked as an individual talent.