I used data to analyze Thompson's performance on the eve of his return to China. Six major data are summarized. Let’s see how this impacts the Warriors’ future. Let's talk about fractions first. Currently, Thompson is averaging 16.5 points per game. Throughout NBA history, among players who have been injured for at least two seasons, no one has performed better in his first season. Ignoring the reasons for his absence, just in terms of scoring, he didn't play two seasons and only two people scored more than him - Jordan and Alikin. Jordan returned from retirement, averaging 22.9 points per game in the 2001-02 season; Alikin ended his military service in the 1954-55 season, averaging 21.0 points per game.

But why did Thompson change like this?

First of all, the frequency of three-point shots is higher

Data shows that Thompson made more than 10 three-point shots every 75 rounds, reaching the peak of his career. This is also the first three-point shot in Thompson's career, accounting for more than 50 of the total shots.

In the three seasons after the injury, Thompson's number of three-point shots was considered to be less. His three-point shooting percentage ranks only 65th in the league. But at the same time, his field goal percentage ranked tenth in the same period, reaching 42. Therefore, it would be a good thing for the Warriors if he could increase the number of shots with stable output, but this is not the case

Second, the angle of the three-pointer has been reduced

Tang Shen's three-point shooting percentage reached the lowest level of his career, only 37.1. Last season, Thompson's three-point shooting percentage reached at least 40. The reason is that his shooting angle is lowered.

According to data from Second Spectrum, Thompson's three-point shooting angle has dropped to 44.1° this season. In the game against the Lakers, Thompson's average shooting arc was only 41.8°. In the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons after the injury, Thompson's average shooting angle for three-pointers was about 46°. Overall, The Lakers are 4° lower

The pitcher is like a precise machine. Even a small adjustment can have a big impact on them. For example, when Curry suddenly missed a shot before, the power of the toes turned into the power of the sole of the foot, causing the ball's curvature problem.

Third, the three-point rate of receiving the ball is reduced

Thompson scored 60 points on 11 dribbles, which can conceal his ability to dribble, but from another perspective, His walking without the ball is at a historical level

However, when the ball does not run out of position and it cannot effectively launch a fatal attack, then everything will be greatly reduced

According to statistics , Thompson's three-point receiving rate this season is only 35.8, and in his previous career, his three-point receiving rate was as high as 44. However, his dry ball three-point shooting percentage is still very high (41.3), which is why his dry ball three-point shooting percentage has reached the highest level of his career

Fourth, increase the proportion of holding the ball

Since you can’t move well without a ball, play with the ball. This season, we can see a significant improvement in Thompson's operational control. It can be seen that in two years, he improved his ball-handling skills day and night

Through so much practice, he boldly assumed the role of ball-handling organization. The obvious change is that the assist rate has reached a career-high level, and there are more touches, dribbles and breakthroughs than in the previous healthy season

Fifth, the speed is reduced

He chooses to dribble, but the speed is reduced

Sixth, but it is no longer the first choice for perimeter defense

Continued injuries to the knee and Achilles tendons have the greatest impact on crossing speed. This speed value has been reduced, so Thompson is not the Warriors' first choice for perimeter defense now.

Thompson is not the soup god yet. However, we can still expect Thompson to get better.