An online debate erupted across the NBA community after Klay Thompson’s father, Mychal, rallied to his defense against claims that the veteran sharpshooter is “washed.”
Rather than silencing critics, the stance sparked widespread pushback from fans who argued that the new Miami Heat shooting guard’s primary struggle is “getting open.”
Klay Thompson’s Father’s Ardent Defense Triggers Wave of Pushback From NBA Fans
As a four-time NBA champion and five-time All-Star, Thompson’s legacy is that of one of the greatest perimeter shooters in basketball history.
After spending 11 iconic seasons establishing a dynasty with the Golden State Warriors and completing a two-year stint with the Dallas Mavericks, he officially joined the Heat on a two-year contract following a contract buyout.
Speaking at his introductory press conference, Thompson openly labeled the upcoming campaign a “redemption season,” emphasizing that he still has plenty to prove.
Despite his internal drive to prove critics wrong, fans and analysts have increasingly slapped the “washed” label on the veteran guard, citing his declining production.
During his prime with Golden State, Thompson posted elite offensive numbers, routinely averaging 20-plus points per game while shooting above 40% from 3-point range. His shooting peak came in the 2017-18 season, when he posted career-best marks of 48.8% from the field and 44.0% from beyond the arc.
The contrast with his Dallas stint is stark. In his second campaign with the Mavericks, the 6-foot-5 guard averaged a career-low 11.7 ppg while shooting a career-worst 39.3% overall and 38.3% from deep. His 76.6% free-throw percentage was also the lowest of his career.
Stepping up to shield his son from the mounting scrutiny, Mychal, a two-time NBA champion, issued a direct challenge to skeptics during an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio:
“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, leave him open and give him open shots. Let’s see what happens.”
Mychal Thompson has a message for anyone who thinks Klay is “washed” 🗣️
(via @SiriusXMNBA) pic.twitter.com/BfQrF5avyL
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 1, 2026
Rather than backing off, the basketball world on X doubled down, arguing that Mychal’s defense completely missed the actual problem with his son’s current game.
Some users summarized their skepticism bluntly.
“Bro can’t even get open 😭,” one user wrote.
Bro can’t even get open 😭
— Nick (@betGoodVibes) September 1, 2026
“I think his issue is GETTING open,” another fan wrote.
One user broke down the statistical decline in Thompson’s overall impact, writing:
“That’s his problem. He has to be wide open. No driving game or creating for others. His defense is actually washed according to the numbers.”
That’s his problem. He has to be wide open. No driving game or creating for others. His defense is actually washed according to the numbers.
— statspros (@statspros) September 1, 2026
Others poked fun at the fatherly intervention itself, writing:
“Daddy saving him in the media fighting his battles.”
Daddy saving him in the media fighting his battles
— Superman (@JustinMarker1) September 1, 2026
A frustrated Mavericks fan also chimed in.
“As a Mavs fan, I saw him open plenty last season. I didn’t start calling him ‘Captain Clank’ for the [expletive] of it,” the user wrote.
Despite the online backlash, it is possible that Thompson’s veteran presence and floor-spacing ability can help him flourish alongside stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo under head coach Erik Spoelstra.
Fans will have to wait just a little more than a month to see what the 36-year-old can do in Heat gear.
Miami begins preseason play on the road against the Toronto Raptors on Oct. 3, 2026, before launching its regular-season schedule at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 21.
