Warriors' Thompson making run at rookie honors

By Antonio Gonzalez

Associated Press

Published: Friday, April 20 2012 1:40 p.m. MDT

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In this photo made April 18, 2012, Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson drives the ball against Los Angeles Lakers' Metta World Peace during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Oakland, Calif. Klay Thompson is so calm and quiet that teammates often tease him just trying to get a reaction. "A silent assassin," coach Mark Jackson calls him. A fitting nickname, too. With the Warriors missing the playoffs again, Thompson has quietly put together a season that might land the first-round pick on the NBA's All-Rookie team.

Ben Margot, Associated Press

Summary

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson is so calm and quiet that teammates often tease him just to get a reaction — or at least they try.

OAKLAND, Calif. — Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson is so calm and quiet that teammates often tease him just to get a reaction — or at least they try.

"A silent assassin" is what coach Mark Jackson calls him. A fitting nickname, too.

With the Warriors missing the playoffs again, Thompson has quietly put together a solid season out West. The 11th overall pick has a chance to accomplish a rare feat: earn NBA first-team All-Rookie honors despite being left out of the rookie-sophomore game during All-Star weekend.

Thompson has averaged 18.3 points per game since the team traded leading scorer Monta Ellis, polishing his game to be more than just a pure shooter with great range. He's shooting 44 percent from the floor and 42 percent from 3-point range.

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