The Golden State Warriors bid farewell to an era this week as Klay Thompson, one half of the iconic Splash Brothers duo, departed the Bay Area for a new chapter with the Dallas Mavericks.
This significant change marks the end of an era that revolutionized NBA basketball with its emphasis on perimeter shooting.
Golden State’s general manager, Mike Dunleavy, wasted no time addressing the void left by Thompson’s departure. On Thursday, the Warriors acquired sharpshooter Buddy Hield in a sign-and-trade deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, aiming to maintain their reputation as a premier three-point shooting team.
The Splash Brothers—comprising Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson—redefined the game with their prolific and unprecedented volume of three-point shots. Over their decade-plus together, they transformed the Warriors into a powerhouse.
As they enter the 2024-25 season, Curry remains the all-time leader in NBA history with 3,747 three-point makes, while Thompson ranks sixth with 2,481.
The acquisition of Hield has sparked excitement among NBA fans, who quickly coined the new nickname “Splash Buddies” for the Curry-Hield duo.
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Although Hield may not have the same career accolades as Thompson, his shooting prowess is undeniable. Over his eight-season career, Hield has made 1,924 three-pointers at a 40% clip. In the 2023-24 season, Hield shot 38.6% from deep while appearing in a league-high 84 games for the Indiana Pacers and 76ers.
The departure of Thompson will undoubtedly require an adjustment period for the Warriors and their fans. His impact on the court and his chemistry with Curry were integral to the team’s identity.
However, the addition of the 31-year-old Hield ensures that Curry will continue to have a formidable partner in the backcourt, capable of splashing triples and keeping the Warriors competitive.
As the Warriors move forward without one of their foundational players, the focus will shift to integrating Hield into their system and maintaining their status as a top-tier team in the NBA. The legacy of the Splash Brothers will continue to influence the game, even as the team evolves and adapts to new dynamics.
