Klay Thompson’s Struggles With Heat Prompt Gilbert Arenas to Raise Questions

Gilbert Arenas is baffled by Klay Thompson’s three-year slump as Miami Heat struggles continue.

Klay Thompson’s Struggles With Heat Prompt Gilbert Arenas to Raise Questions

Gilbert Arenas and Klay Thompson (Image credits - ClutchPoints)

It goes without saying that Klay Thompson is one of the greatest shooters in the history of basketball. Drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2011, Thompson is currently fourth in the All-Time NBA Three-Point leaders list and is set to overtake Ray Allen very soon.

Very few players in NBA history can shoot the ball like Thompson. He holds the single-game record for most three-pointers made by a player in a game. He set the record with 14 three-pointers against the Chicago Bulls in 2018.

Thompson’s shooting prowess was integral to the Warriors’ dynasty, which won four championships in six NBA Finals from 2015 to 2022. Alongside Stephen Curry, they formed one of the most fearsome backcourt duos in NBA history and were popularly known as the “Splash Brothers”.

Curry and Thompson changed the game forever with their three-point shooting. While Thompson was not the shooter that Curry was, he was still widely regarded as one of the best shooters ever in his prime. Unfortunately, he has struggled with his shooting over the last three years.

Following his rough stint with the Dallas Mavericks, he joined the Miami Heat this summer. The move has generated a lot of excitement in the Heat community. But after five games into the 2026-27 campaign, Thompson’s three-point struggles haven’t disappeared.

Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas was left questioning how Thompson has not found his shot in the last three years.

I personally have never seen a shooter, like, be cold this long. Three seasons? You was invincible like your shot was invincible… Like, you don’t lose your shot. Like, I don’t know, how do you lose your shot?

Gilbert Arenas on Gil’s Arena

Thompson entered the season with a career three-point percentage of around 41%. However, he has shot below that mark in his last three campaigns. He is currently averaging 7.8 points in his five games but is shooting at an abysmal 32% from beyond the arc.

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DeMarcus Cousins defends Klay Thompson’s poor three-point shooting slump

Thompson has broken several three-point records throughout his career and was also the NBA Three-Point Contest champion in 2016. Despite shooting poorly in his two seasons with the Mavs, multiple teams were linked to him this offseason, including the Los Angeles Lakers.

Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson (Image credits – BasketNews.com)

Thompson has touched the double-digit mark just twice in his five games this season. He has never shot this poorly in his entire career, and the early signs are a cause for concern for the Heat.

After Gilbert Arenas questioned Thompson’s slump, DeMarcus Cousins defended his former teammate and believes that he will find his range soon.

It’s possible when your confidence ain’t. Or if you’re not comfortable in your surroundings. Klay a vibe-type dude. I believe this is the best situation he’s been in in a while. Like, especially when everything does start to click for that group, I think Klay gets back to playing high-level ball. Yeah, you just don’t forget how to ride your bike.

DeMarcus Cousins on Gil’s Arena

Cousins played alongside Thompson for one season during his time with the Warriors. They reached the NBA Finals that year before Thompson tore his ACL in Game 6 of the Finals. The former All-Star thinks it’s just a matter of time before he gets out of his slump, as he is in a positive environment in Miami compared to Dallas.

Klay Thompson provides spacing for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo

The Heat finally found their first win of the 2026-27 campaign when they beat the Atlanta Hawks at the State Farm Arena on Wednesday night. It was a much-needed win for the Heat as they were 0-4 to begin the season.

Following two poor seasons, the Heat went all out to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks this summer. With Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo in the frontcourt, adding a player like Klay Thompson can only benefit the two big men despite his poor performances.

Former NBA star Joe Johnson believes that the presence of the 36-year-old on the court provides spacing for Antetokounmpo and Adebayo due to his gravity.

He ain’t been that Klay that he was in Golden State. He’s a great decoy to have out there. If I’m Giannis and Bam, I want Klay to be in that corner because I know his man (defender) won’t leave him, he’ll make some 3s occasionally…just having him on the floor — he’s going to keep the floor spaced, guys respect him so much — they will never leave that boy wide open trust me.

Joe Johnson on The Nightcap

While the Heat did beat the Hawks, Thompson scored just three points and played just 17 minutes. His numbers are expected to get better as the season progresses, but for now, the Heat’s next challenge is giving its veteran shooter enough stability.

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