Patrick Beverley's Controversial Paul George, Klay Thompson Warriors Statement

12-year NBA veteran Patrick Beverley shared a bold take about the Golden State Warriors' dynasty

Mar 15, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George (13) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors built one of the best NBA dynasties in recent memory with a big three of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, all of whom have likely cemented themselves as Hall of Famers after winning four championships together.

However, could the Warriors have been even better?

Thompson, who now plays for the Dallas Mavericks after leaving the Warriors in 2024 free agency, was undoubtedly one of Golden State's most important players in all of their championship runs and is arguably the second greatest three-point shooter in league history behind Curry.

What if the Warriors replaced Klay Thompson?

Apr 18, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) reacts during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

There has been a recent debate in the NBA about whether you would rather have Klay Thompson's career or Paul George's career.

12-year NBA veteran Patrick Beverley weighed in by sharing a controversial take that many Warriors fans will likely disagree with.

"If you put Paul George in that role as Klay Thompson, playing with Steph [Curry], Draymond Green, [Andre] Igudola. We know Paul George, a couple of years ago, was in the MVP race. If you substitute them two... I think that Golden State probably wins more championships," Beverley said on his Pat Bev Pod.

Whose career would you rather have? pic.twitter.com/vxMXRxqP3b

— Pat Bev Pod (@PatBevPod) August 23, 2025

George is a nine-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA, and four-time All-Defensive player, as he has been one of the league's premier two-way talents in his era. The 35-year-old star may be declining, but when he was healthy and in his prime, he was undoubtedly a more impactful star than Thompson. However, is that what the Warriors needed?

Warriors needed Thompson

Many people look at George's 2018-19 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder when analyzing his prime, as he averaged 28.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.2 steals per game with 43.8/38.6/83.9 shooting splits, finishing third in MVP and Defensive Player of the Year voting.

If the Warriors replaced that version of George with Thompson, they would have a much more dynamic star-studded core, adding another first-option-caliber star, but Golden State won championships because of that specific dynamic they put together.

Klay Thompson’s run with the Golden State Warriors is up there with any player in NBA history

2015- NBA Champ
2016- NBA Finals
2017- NBA Champ
2018- NBA Champ
2019-NBA Finals
2020- injured
2021- injured
2022- NBA Champ

pic.twitter.com/tZIOChlHMl

— Ben Stinar (@BenStinar) July 15, 2025

Thompson was the top sharpshooter in the NBA, while being able to guard the opposing team's best player, being the perfect backcourt partner for Curry. With a big three of Curry, Thompson, and Green, the Warriors had everything they needed, and it all balanced out to be one of the most dominant teams in NBA history.

It is hard to say that George would have been a better fit than Thompson, simply because he is more talented, when NBA history shows that is not always the answer.