Jackson: ‘Thompson is a starter in this league'

OAKLANDTheres a school of thought out there that theWarriors should trade shooting guard Monta Ellis for a big man and then giveEllis old job to rookie Klay Thompson.Whether or not that happens remains to be seen. But itcertainly begs the question: Is Thompson starting NBA material?Warriors coach Mark Jackson believes so.
No question hes a starter in this league, Jackson saidThursday before the Jazz-Warriors game. He can play multiple positions, hesvery versatile, hes a knock-down shooter and hes gaining more and moreconfidence. Hes a student of the game and he puts the time in and those arethings you have to do in order to take advantage of having a longcareer.PREVIEW: Jazz-Warriors, what to watch for
He very well could have gone to another team and been astarter from Day 1hes that good.If all thats true, then it wont be long before theWarriors have a glut at shooting guard. And if the Warriors have a glut atshooting guard, it could facilitate the Warriors making a move.You want him to get better at putting the ball on the flooreven though hes good and gotten way better, Jackson said. Id like to have aguy you can put in pick-and-roll situations. Hes got great size, hes a verygood passer, and wed like to put the ball in his hands and at times hes thekind of guy you can run the offense through.But hes going to get there. Im very pleased since theprogress hes made since hes gotten here.