​Draymond Green accuses media of setting Klay Thompson up ‘for failure’ after Heat move originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Draymond Green is urging basketball fans to check their expectations following Klay Thompson’s move to Miami. After finalizing a contract with the Heat, the 36-year-old sharpshooter faces heavy scrutiny over what he can still deliver. Green believes media pressure is setting his former teammate up for failure.Rather than expecting a return to his prime Golden State years, Green argues Thompson’s new role mirrors Ray Allen’s late-career run in Miami. Thompson enters his 16th season as a veteran spacing option rather than a primary scoring threat.Draymond Green wants fans to lower expectations for Klay ThompsonGreen made his point on The Draymond Green Show after Thompson joined Miami. He knows Thompson’s best years, but he also knows about the knee and Achilles injuries that changed his career.“You mean to tell me if Klay Thompson left the Warriors, he couldn’t be a number 1 option but Reggie Miller could?… Highly likely that after the 2019 playoffs, Klay Thompson was gonna leave the Warriors and go be a number 1 option somewhere, highly f**king likely, and then he got hurt…When they said ‘Klay going to Miami’ and I was like ‘oh that Heat culture thing’ I don’t know how that’s gonna work… let’s stop acting like 2017 Klay is going to Miami… I wish sports media would speak to it more like when Ray Allen went to Miami,” Green said.Draymond reacts to fans saying Klay Thompson couldn’t be a number 1 option & Klay signing with the Heat”You mean to tell me if Klay Thompson left the Warriors, he couldn’t be a number 1 option but Reggie Miller could?… Highly likely that after the 2019 playoffs, Klay Thompson… pic.twitter.com/MZMIRpEX6A— The Draymond Green Show (@DraymondShow) August 26, 2026Green is not saying Thompson cannot help Miami. He is warning fans against expecting 2017 production from a 36-year-old player entering Year 16. Thompson can still shoot, but he may not score 20 points every night or defend at his old level.Thompson averaged 11.7 points per game in Dallas last season, the lowest mark of his career. His role was smaller, but his shooting still forced defenders to stay close. Klay Thompson can help Miami without carrying old scoring loadThe Ray Allen example offers a clear example. He averaged 10.9 points for Miami in 2012-13, yet his famous Game 6 three-pointer helped save the Heat’s season against San Antonio. His value came from shooting, experience, and calm play in pressure moments.Thompson can fill a similar role. He does not need to lead Miami in scoring. He needs to find open spots, make quick shots and create room for the Heat’s best players. His experience can also help younger teammates handle difficult games.Thompson has welcomed comparisons with Allen and Reggie Miller. He has called them