When Does Klay Thompson Become the Miami Heat's Concern?

MIAMI, Fla. – It took five games, but the Miami Heat's first win of the 2026-27 NBA season came from a 129-117 outing against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Wednesday night.

Seven players scored in double figures; meanwhile, Klay Thompson continues to struggle. He's averaging 7.8 points while shooting 32.4 percent from behind the arc – 12 of 37.

The 36-year-old underwent a contract buyout with the Dallas Mavericks this summer to sign a two-year, $11.48 million deal with the Heat, proving he can still be impactful on a championship contender. However, the outside shots haven't fallen consistently yet.

Floor spacing is important when playing alongside stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, both of whom primarily operate inside the paint. Thompson's elite reputation as a three-point shooter is supposed to complement them. Defenses currently respect it, but how far of a slump can continue before they don't?

Before this season, Thompson was a career 40.9 percent three-point shooter. Although he's not the same All-Star as a remarkable 13-year tenure with the Golden State Warriors, he's expected to remain serviceable. Thompson did show signs of still having that three-point touch against the Charlotte Hornets last Saturday.

Despite suffering a 115-110 loss, nearly overcoming a 23-point deficit, the four-time champion made four three-pointers on nine attempts. It's certainly not Thompson's most explosive night, but it's the most efficient he has been on high volume this season. If the 16-year veteran can maintain this level of production, it makes the Heat's offense even more dangerous.

Antetokounmpo will draw extra attention from defenses on a game-by-game basis, which will generate open looks for Thompson from long range. He just needs to capitalize on the opportunities. If Thompson continues to struggle, head coach Erik Spoelsta could look to  move Tim Hardaway Jr. into the starting lineup.

The three-point shooting needs to come from somewhere.

It's only five games into the season and Thompson is still adjusting to a new city, team and system. There is still time for him to put the pieces of the puzzle together before the Heat look to re-evaluate the situation. 

Thompson won't be trade-eligible until Dec. 15. He essentially has two months' worth of games to prove the Heat made the right decision to wait and sign him in free agency. He and the rest of the team returned to South Florida, preparing to face the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, without All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. and will be televised on WLPG Local 10.

More Miami Heat News:

- "Miami Heat Remain Winless, Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo Triple Double"

- "Should the Miami Heat Panic This Soon in the NBA Season?"

- "Miami Heat Better to Experience Growing Pains Sooner Than Later?"