Klay Thompson tabs himself as league's best shooting guard

Klay Thompson needed a moment when asked to name the best shooting guard in the NBA.

After considering contenders such as Chicago'sJimmy Butler and Houston'sJames Harden, Thompson was ready to make his pick.

"I'm going to go with myself," Thompson said Saturday, according to the Bay Area News Group. "We're 26-1."

An All-Star and All-NBA Third Team honoree last season, Thompson is averaging 19.3 points per game on a career-best 47.3 percent shooting from the field and 43.7 percent from 3 this season.He has been the Golden State Warriors' leading scorer in each of their two games since their first loss of the season, including a 43-point outburst against the Phoenix Sunson Thursday.

"When you play with a free mind and you play thinking you're not hurt and you're healthy, that's when you're playing your best," Thompson said. "I want to continue playing like this, get better every month."

Thompson selected teammate and reigning MVPStephen Curry as the league's best point guard. Curry leads the NBA with 131 3-pointers this season; Thompson is tied for third at 80.

"Right now, Steph's a better shooter," Thompson said. "I'm trying to catch him. Just by a little, though. Not by a lot. I can't say he's way better than me. He is one of the greatest, and it's an honor to be in the same backcourt with him."

Golden State next plays Wednesday when it hosts the Utah Jazz.