Klay Thompson Vs Kawhi Leonard: Ranking Top-5 3-And-D Players In The NBA

Klay Thompson and Kawhi Leonard have given new meaning to the term “3-and-D player” by evolving from role players to superstars all while maintaining unselfish instincts. Young wings entering the league ought to look up to them.

Nov 11, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11, left) passes the basketball against San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 113-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

You can’t execute a well spread-out, efficient offense in the modern NBA without 3-and-D specialists.

These low usage-rate wings are unsung heroes. Their primary tasks include moving without the ball, spotting up, sprinting back in transition to play defense and guarding the opposition’s best perimeter scorer.

Former San Antonio Spurs wing Bruce Bowen is the archetype of the 3-and-D player.

But the 3-and-D athlete has evolved from just a role player who rarely gets his name called on the offensive end to the focal point of opposing team’s defensive strategy.

Even though an offense runs through a quarterback, a point forward or point guard, who penetrates and breaks down defenses, it’s the 3-and-D player who more often than not converts a bad possession into three points.

Teams with playbooks that thrive off multiple playmakers, a la the Golden State Warriors, go hand-and-glove with such players, who are unselfish and play every possession to its merit.

Despite their hustle on defense and ability to sink a barrage of threes, 3-and-D players are rarely placed on the same pedestal, at least by MVP voters, as stat-sheet stuffers or volume scorers like LeBron James, Russell Westbrook or James Harden.

May 12, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) fouls Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) during the fourth quarter in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The 3-and-D revolution

Over the last few seasons, however, analytics are starting to underline the importance of 3-and-D players.

This is why Kawhi Leonard finished second in the MVP ballot and earned his first All-NBA First Team honor after averaging 21.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game last season.

During the same time frame, James Harden stuffed the stat-sheet with 29.0 points, 7.5 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game. But Harden didn’t make any of the All-NBA teams.

You’d say: “Oh, that’s because the Houston Rockets were the eighth seed.”

Wrong. DeMarcus Cousins made the All-NBA Second Team but his team didn’t even make the playoffs.

Voters simply cannot ignore Harden’s 29 points and 7.5 assists per game over the course of 82 games (Harden didn’t miss a solitary game and led the league in minutes per game – 38.1).

But they did. Because analytics don’t like Harden for his lackadaisical defense (ranked 125th in Defensive Rating) and low percentage of baskets made off assists (which might mean Harden’s playing style isn’t conducive for ball movement).

Just like Leonard, Klay Thompson averaged 22.1 points and 2.1 assists per game but did enough to make the All-NBA Third Team.

Again, this is because voters saw the value of Thompson on both ends of the floor.

If not for Thompson and Leonard, the likes of Stephen Curry and Tony Parker would be under a lot more pressure to play defense. Even though Parker is an above-average defender, Leonard often takes up the most difficult perimeter assignments just the way Thompson rescues Curry on defense.

You stop and wonder why an unproven wing such as Allen Crabbe, who averaged 10.3 points last season, received a four-year, $75 million contract this summer. It’s simply because Crabbe is the quintessential three-and-D player, who are atop the wish list for every coach and general manager.

To rank the top-five 3-and-D players, we’ve used advanced metrics including points per shot clip, contested shots, points allowed per screen and many other variables.

On the brink of the 2016-17 season, we rank the top-five 3-and-D players in the league:

Jun 16, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game six of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

5. J.R. Smith

J.R. Smith doesn’t get much love.

With LeBron James and Kyrie Irving leading the way, it’s easy to forget that Smith shot a career-high 43 percent from long distance during the postseason and played lockdown D at the other end.

Smith is a rhythm shooter. Earlier in his career, he developed a notorious reputation for being an inconsistent and streaky shooter.

There’d be nights when Smith would sink 5 of 10 threes and others when he’d go cold turkey. Even now, Smith’s hot hand comes and goes, a trait that teammates and coaches have accepted.

Key Stats

Catch-and-shoot made threes
Rank: 2nd (2.2 per game)

Overall attempted threes
Rank: 11th (6.6 per game)

3-Pt field goal percentage
Rank: 17th (40 percent)

Points per touch
Rank: 19th (0.332)

Spot-Up made field goals (Total)
Rank: 4th (132 out of 317 possessions)

Defense: 3-Pt shots contested
Rank: 10th (3.2 per game)

*(Minimum qualification: Starters, 60 games, 30 minutes per game)
* 2015-16 Stats: Courtesy: NBA.com/Stats

But playing alongside James, Smith has become more than just a shooter. He’s become a smart operator who knows how to move without the ball, distract defenses and spot up with precision.

Today, he’s arguably the third most efficient catch-and-shoot exponent in the league after Klay Thompson and J.J. Redick.

During his days in Denver and New York, Smith wasn’t known for his defense.

But since he was traded to the Cavs in Dec. 2014, Smith has emerged as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league.

So much so that James lauded Smith’s defense during the Cavs’ championship parade.

After helping Cleveland win Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Smith revealed that his daughter taught him to sacrifice offense for defense.

Smith allowed Klay Thompson to make only 21 out of 60 attempted threes during the seven games of the Finals. He stepped up to the plate.

Notable omissions:

Andrew Wiggins
Reason: Poor three-point field goal percentage (30)

Danny Green
Reason: Making 75 fewer threes than 2014-15 season (three-point percentage plummeted from 42 to 33)

Chandler Parsons
Reason: Outstanding three-point shooter (41 percent) but poor defensive metrics.

Jimmy Butler
Reason: Poor three-point field goal percentage (31 percent)

July 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USA forward Paul George (13) shoots the ball against China in the first half during an exhibition basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

4. Paul George

Paul George was an elite defender the second he entered the league. His long arms and innate defensive IQ make him a mismatch for nine out of 10 wings.

But George has had to work on his three-point shooting.

During his sophomore season (2011-12), PG-13 attempted only 3.5 threes per game (in 29.7 minutes). This past season, he doubled the attempts, sinking 2.6 out of seven attempts per game.

He made as many three-point field goals (2.6 per game) as Kevin Durant and J.R. Smith last season. That’s a fine achievement for a player who was never known for his jump shot.

Key Stats

Catch-and-shoot made threes
Rank: 9th (1.8 per game)

Overall attempted threes
Rank: 8th (7.0 per game)

3-Pt field goal percentage
Rank: 43rd (37 percent)

Points per touch
Rank: 16th (0.347)

Spot-Up made field goals (Total)
Rank: Not in top-50

Defense: 3-Pt shots contested
Rank: 6th (4.6 per game)

*(Minimum qualification: Starters, 60 games, 30 minutes per game)
* 2015-16 Stats: Courtesy: NBA.com/Stats

His three-point field goal percentage (37) is still below the league average for great sharpshooters. But George has been improving with each passing year and could near the 40 percent mark in 2016-17.

George’s shot release isn’t as quick as catch-and-shoot specialists such as J.J. Redick, Klay Thompson or Kyle Korver.

But he’s becoming a very efficient shooter off the dribble.

George’s ability to play off-the-ball should ensure that the All-Star forward gets a few more open looks this season, especially with new Pacers point guard Jeff Teague penetrating defenses.

There are other hustle stats which illustrate why George is a championship-caliber player.

During this year’s playoffs, George registered 3.7 deflections per game (during the seven-game series against the Toronto Raptors) and led all players in loose balls recovered (1.7 per game).

Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant isn’t your prototypical three-and-D player (just glance at the stats below).

Having said that, Durant is about undergo a metamorphosis.

He doesn’t need to play “your turn, my turn basketball” anymore with Russell Westbrook. All he needs to do is simply allow the beauty of the Golden State Warriors offense run its course and get him his open looks.

With Stephen Curry and Draymond Green already operating as the two primary playmakers, expect Durant’s role to liken that of Klay Thompson.

Just to put things in perspective, last season, Klay Thompson averaged 1.40 dribbles per touch while Durant averaged 2.39 dribbles per touch. That could easily be a difference of four to five seconds per possession.

Key Stats

Catch-and-shoot made threes
Rank: 22nd (1.5 per game)

Overall attempted threes
Rank: 10th (6.7 per game)

3-Pt field goal percentage
Rank: 28th (39 percent)

Points per touch
Rank: 4th (0.432)

Spot-Up made field goals (Total)
Rank: Not in top-50

Defense: 3-Pt shots contested
Rank: 8th (4.4 per game)

*(Minimum qualification: Starters, 60 games, 30 minutes per game)
* 2015-16 Stats: Courtesy: NBA.com/Stats

This will be a monumental transformation for Durant, who has made a career out of being a volume scorer (all-time third highest PPG) with the ninth highest usage rate (30.45 percent) in NBA history.

The 2013-14 MVP no longer needs to beat defenders off one-on-one ISO plays. And while this transition might be easier said than done, Durant himself has acknowledged that he’s been yearning to play for a team that plays basketball the right way.

Was that a subtle shot at Russell Westbrook? You better believe it.

You could also argue that Durant is exiting his comfort zone and entering unchartered territory. There could be nights when he receives fewer than 10 shots. For better or worse, his game is about to change.

Also, Durant doesn’t get enough credit for his defense. Granted, he’s never been an A+ defensive stopper, but Durant can hold his own as a defender and disrupt shooters with his long arms.

Expect Durant’s three-point percentage and defensive rating to reach career-high marks this season.

Playing alongside aces Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green, Durant will learn the subtleties of team defense and become the 3-and-D specialist who scores 32 points on one night and 17 the next. But he’ll contribute to victories in more ways than he ever did before.

And lest we forget Durant has always had the skill set to become the best pure shooter the game has ever seen. Remember, even Stephen Curry can’t shoot over seven-footers, but Durant can.

Apr 30, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35, left) defends in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

2. Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard finished the 2015-16 season No. 3 in Defensive Rating (96.0) and third in three-point percentage (44 percent).

Therefore, Leonard could be No.1 in almost anyone else’s list.

However, the back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year misses out on ranking points because he attempted only 4.0 threes per game last season. Even teammate Danny Green attempted 4.4 threes during the same time frame.

Perhaps it’s more to do with Gregg Popovich’s altered playbook last season, which cut down on attempted threes significantly from the 2014-15 season and fed the ball more to LaMarcus Aldridge in the post.

Key Stats

Catch-and-shoot made threes
Rank: 31st (1.4 per game)

Overall attempted threes
Rank: Not in top-50

3-Pt field goal percentage
Rank: 3rd (44 percent)

Points per touch
Rank: 5th (0.400)

Spot-Up made field goals (Total)
Rank: 1st (141 out of 311 possessions)

Defense: 3-Pt shots contested
Rank: Not in top-50

*(Minimum qualification: Starters, 60 games, 30 minutes per game)
* 2015-16 Stats: Courtesy: NBA.com/Stats

Also, Leonard’s role as a defender is quite different to other 3-and-D specialists.

Leonard does more than just getting a hand up in a shooter’s face (as illustrated in the stat above). He anchors San Antonio’s trademark suffocating team defense while guarding multiple positions.

With Danny Green, another defensive ace, patrolling the perimeter, Leonard excels as a help defender in the post and often stops players from getting to the rim.

His versatility as a defender allows the rest of the players to switch off screens and pick-and-rolls without skipping a beat.

The Spurs, known for their balanced motion offense, have undergone a major roster transformation this season and it’d be interesting to note how Leonard alters his game, if required.

On the offensive end, Leonard is still predominantly a spot-up shooter (as illustrated in the stats above) but he’s improved leaps and bounds as a one-on-one scorer, with an advanced stepback jumper and a Kobe Bryant-esque fadeaway.

Leonard remains the best defender on the planet and is quickly rising as a two-way superstar.

Jun 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) shoots the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the third quarter in game five of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Klay Thompson

In many people’s eyes, Klay Thompson is the most important player on the Warriors team.

If it wasn’t for Thompson’s surreal showing (11 threes) in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, the Warriors wouldn’t have reached back-to-back NBA finals.

Unlike Stephen Curry, Thompson is a two-way presence and often shuts down his Splash Brother’s point guard counterparts, allowing the reigning MVP to skip difficult assignments such as guarding the likes of Chris Paul, Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook.

Key Stats

Catch-and-shoot made threes
Rank: 1st (3.0 per game)

Overall attempted threes
Rank: 2nd (8.1 per game)

3-Pt field goal percentage
Rank: 5th (42 percent)

Points per touch
Rank: 2nd (0.468)

Spot-Up made field goals (Total)
Rank: 12th (113 out of 275 possessions)

Defense: 3-Pt shots contested
Rank: 14th (2.8 per game)

*(Minimum qualification: Starters, 60 games, 30 minutes per game)
* 2015-16 Stats: Courtesy: NBA.com/Stats

As illustrated in the stat above, Thompson makes an average of three catch-and-shoot three-pointers every game. His quick shot release helps, but that’s not the primary reason for Thompson’s ability to rain down threes on a nightly basis (or drop 37 points in one quarter!)

Thompson has the uncanny ability to always play within the flow of the offense. You’d often see Stephen Curry or Kyrie Irving take forced shots but Thompson has no reason to demand the ball or even hold onto it for more than a few seconds.

Everything Thompson does is reflex-oriented.

Also, if you’re talking about a textbook shooting form, Thompson is up there with the greatest of all time. Curry’s form is more effective but it’s unorthodox and often involves late adjustments. That’s why Curry’s form allows for a quicker release and higher arc, making it tougher to defend.

However, Thompson’s form is nearly picture perfect and a treat for even teams rooting against the Warriors.

Also, Klay Thompson has now patented the transition stop-and-pop three. It’s a thing of beauty.

During the Mark Jackson era, Thompson didn’t have the green light to go bombs away in transition. But Steve Kerr has pretty much encouraged Thompson to shoot from anywhere, at any time, even though the sharpshooter’s natural instincts don’t allow for ill-advised shots.

If you had to include 3-and-D players in a basketball glossary book, please put Klay Thompson’s picture in there.

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