Klay Thompson’s Father Slams ‘Washed’ Critics After Joining Heat: “Leave Him Open… Let’s See What Happens”

Mychal Thompson clapped back at ‘Klay Thompson is washed’ allegations with a bold challenge.

Klay Thompson’s Father Slams ‘Washed’ Critics After Joining Heat: “Leave Him Open… Let’s See What Happens”

Mychal Thompson and Klay Thompson (Image credits - LA Times)

Klay Thompson has completed 13 seasons in the NBA. He was selected by the Golden State Warriors as the 11th pick in the 2011 NBA draft. Alongside Stephen Curry, they formed the greatest shooting duo in NBA history and changed the game of basketball forever.

They were popularly called the “Splash Brothers,” and they set various NBA records for three-point field goals as teammates. They led their team to four championships and helped create one of the strongest dynasties of all time.

Following a disappointing two-year stint with the Dallas Mavericks, Thompson bought out his contract and became a free agent. He signed a two-year deal with the Miami Heat as he embarks on a new journey in the Eastern Conference.

After the move, some have criticized Thompson as a shell of the player he once was. However, his father, Mychal Thompson, issued a challenge to Klay’s critics.

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 on SiriusXM NBA Radio

While there has been some criticism, Thompson’s move to Miami has generated a lot of excitement among Heat Nation. The Heat are coming off a disappointing 2025-26 campaign where they missed the playoffs. So Pat Riley and the front office knew they had to make big moves to compete for championships again.

They got their summer underway by trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks. The blockbuster move was praised by many and saw a shift in the needle in the Eastern Conference.

Klay Thompson may not be the player he once was, but he did shoot at 38.7% from three-point range during his time in Dallas. He will not be expected to average 20 points per game as he did in his prime, but his catch-and-shoot ability will be crucial for the Heat heading into next season.

Fans react to Mychal Thompson’s warning to Klay Thompson’s critics

Mychal Thompson would have preferred his son joining the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer. Klay was linked to the Lakers and the Warriors, but he chose the Heat as his next home.

After clapping back at his son’s critics and issuing them a bold challenge, fans took to social media to react to Mychal’s comments.

His comments received mixed reactions across social media. Some fans said his recent performances suggest he is “washed” and nowhere near the player he once was, while others believe Klay will bounce back in Miami and play an important role next season.

Mychal Thompson declares it is championship-or-bust for Heat next season

After making the trade for Antetokounmpo, it was expected that the Heat would undergo some big changes in their roster as they look to compete for a championship. While Antetokounmpo is still one of the best players in the world, he will be turning 32 years old in the middle of the 2026-27 campaign.

Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image credits – NBA)

With Antetokounmpo reaching the backend of his prime, Mychal Thompson believes that next season is championship or bust for the Heat.

You don’t bring Giannis in there to not be a deep playoff contender or a championship team. Anything short of a championship this year is a bust. And that’s the way the Heat better be thinking. We better get to the Eastern Conference Finals and get ourselves to the Finals, not only get to the Finals, but win the Finals.

Mychal Thompson on Locked On Heat

The road to a championship through the Eastern Conference has gotten a lot harder. New York Knicks, who are the defending champions, and the Philadelphia 76ers are seen as the two favorites to come out of the East at the moment. But Mychal expects the Heat to mount a serious title challenge next season.

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