Patrick Beverley says Warriors might have won more titles with Paul George over Klay Thompson

Klay Thompson is forever tied to the Warriors’ dynasty. Four rings, five straight All-Star appearances, and the other half of the most devastating shooting tandem the NBA has ever seen.

But Patrick Beverley thinks Golden State could have squeezed out even more banners — if Paul George had been in Thompson’s spot.

On the latest episode of The Pat Bev Podcast with Rone, Beverley floated the idea that swapping George for Thompson would have made the Warriors even more dominant.

“If you put Paul George in that role playing as Klay Thompson, playing with [Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala] … obviously we know Paul George a couple years ago was in the MVP race,” Beverley said. “If you substitute those two, I think that Golden State probably wins more championships.”

It’s an interesting hypothetical. George, a nine-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA pick and four-time All-Defensive honoree, stacks up well on paper.

But Thompson’s shooting and clutch performances, especially in elimination games, became part of the Warriors’ identity. He nearly matched George’s playoff scoring numbers while hitting shots few others could dream of making.

So yes, George may have the edge in accolades, but Thompson’s fit alongside Curry — and his knack for rising in the biggest moments — is a big reason Golden State raised four trophies.

A fun debate, but rewriting history comes easy. Winning those rings in real time didn’t.

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