Warriors coach Mark Jackson has decided to start rookie KlayThompson at shooting guard for Saturdays game against the Philadelphia 76ersat Oracle Arena. Thomson will start in place of Monta Ellis, who is inMississippi, attending the funeral of his grandmother.Thompson, a rookie out of Washington State, has struggledthis season at the offensive end, shooting 25 percent from the floor(3-for-12), including just 1-for-5 from 3-point range.Thompson struggled with his shot in the preseason, too, going2-for-15 in a game at Sacramento on Dec. 20. But that hasnt caused Jackson tolose any confidence in Thompson.
Hes a young kid I believe in, Jackson said. Hes goingto be a heck of a player in this league. Its important to take advantage ofthe opportunities when you get them. Hes worked his tail off. I have no doubthes ready.Jackson made a point of saying that Thompson has done otherfacets of the game well, despite his shooting troubles. Jackson said Thompsondid a very good job defending Rip Hamilton in Mondays win over theBulls.
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