Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson is singing the praises of 23-year-old star Klay Thompson.
"He's a top-five shooting guard in this league," Jackson told the San Jose Mercury News, "and I'm being respectful."
Jackson firmly believes the third-year shooting guard is in the same elite class as veteran All-Stars Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Joe Johnson and James Harden.
Early in the season, Thompson leads the league in 3-pointers made and has easily been the Warriors' most explosive and consistent player. Overall, he ranks in the top 20 in scoring (20.9) and field-goal percentage (.552), joining LeBron James, Blake Griffin and Brook Lopez as the only NBA players sharing that distinction.
What's more, Thompson is no longer viewed as just a spot-up shooter, having developed an assortment of other go-to moves that include post ups and drives to the basket.
"He's playing smarter this year," All-Star teammate and backcourt partner Stephen Curry told The Mercury News. "He's taking good shots and working through the offense. When he does that, he's great. We know how great of a shooter he is. He's underrated with his playmaking. ... It's fun to watch, and I feel like its going to be around all year."
Jackson later told The Mercury News "he's a better player. He's a better defender, better pick-and-roll basketball player, a better decision maker and overall just a better player -- no question about that. What he does on both sides of the court puts him in a different class."
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