2015 NBA All-Star Game: Why Klay Thompson Might Miss out on the Game Entirely

The season the Golden State Warriors are having is nothing short of remarkable. Although it has seemingly been coming after years of building up young talent, the step forward into the NBA’s upper echelon has still been fun to watch.

But while Stephen Curry looks ready to claim his first MVP title at the end of the season, and Draymond Green's growth could put him in the discussion for Defensive Player of the Year, it seems that Klay Thompson’s play is being somewhat overlooked.

Despite finally taking the leap the Warriors wanted him to take, scoring 3.5 more points per game than last season while increasing his rebounds and assists as well, Thompson could very well be on the outside looking in when the All-Star rosters are announced.

It is tough to deny that Thompson deserves a spot on the roster, with the shooting guard ranking 11th in the league in points per game and 22nd in WAR, but that is the way of the Western Conference.

The only obstacles standing between Thompson and a deserved All-Star nod are those he will be competing with.

It is assured that Curry will make the team, along with Kobe Bryant, based on the fan vote, and James Harden, who is having an MVP-caliber season of his own.

With only a limited number of spots remaining, Thompson might not be able to overcome the name-recognition of his competition.

Between Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook, San Antonio’s Tony Parker, Portland’s Damian Lillard, the Clippers’ Chris Paul and Memphis’ Mike Conley Jr., there is little to no room for Thompson on the roster.

In fairness, all of those players are having great seasons, but Thompson’s role as the second scorer on the NBA’s best team is not one to scoff at.

It is almost unfair to punish Thompson for having to share the court with Curry, who has evolved into one of the best players in the league. Although Thompson’s production might slip a little were he anywhere else, with defenses focusing more on him instead of Curry, the long shadow he plays in is the biggest issue here.

Much like Scottie Pippen in Chicago while Michael Jordan was playing, it feels like Thompson isn’t getting credit for his achievements because of his partner in crime.

That might be a bit of an overstatement, considering who Jordan and Pippen are, but the facts still stand. Currently, it seems unlikely Thompson will make his first All-Star Game, despite being one of the game's most talented players.

His coach, and the coach of the Western Conference All-Stars, said he believes the star shooting guard deserves a spot on the roster.

“Klay deserves it,” Kerr said, per Sporting News. “To me, the thing with the All-Star Game that I’ve always felt, long before I came to Golden State, was the best teams deserve the benefit of the doubt.”

If he is left out when the announcements are made, it will be a tough pill to swallow, but one that could be amended if the Warriors can continue their run to a possible championship.