The upcoming 2025-26 NBA season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting campaigns in recent memory, and one of its most intriguing storylines revolves around Klay Thompson. The veteran sharpshooter, now in his second season with the Dallas Mavericks, has revealed a lofty personal goal: joining the exclusive 50/40/90 club. This statistical milestone, achieved by shooting at least 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from three-point range, and 90 percent from the free-throw line over a full season, is one of the most prestigious individual benchmarks in professional basketball.

Only nine players in NBA history have ever reached this level of efficiency. The list includes legends such as Larry Bird, Reggie Miller, Steve Nash, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry, as well as current stars like Kyrie Irving, Thompson’s new Mavericks teammate. For Thompson, who is already a four-time NBA champion and widely considered one of the greatest shooters in history, adding this accomplishment to his résumé would cement his place among the all-time elite.

Klay Thompson’s Hall of Fame Career So Far

Thompson’s NBA legacy is already secure. Drafted in 2011 by the Golden State Warriors, he quickly became one half of the iconic “Splash Brothers” duo alongside Curry. Over the next decade, Thompson helped revolutionize the game of basketball with his lightning-quick release, limitless shooting range, and ability to rise to the occasion in big moments. His résumé includes:

• Four NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)

• Five All-Star selections

• An Olympic gold medal with Team USA

• Multiple unforgettable scoring performances, including a record-breaking 37 points in a single quarter and a 60-point game on only 11 dribbles

Now entering his mid-30s, Thompson’s career is closer to its twilight than its peak, but his move to Dallas in 2024 has reinvigorated him. Playing alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, Thompson has embraced his role as a veteran leader and secondary scorer, focusing on spacing the floor and providing championship experience to a franchise that is hungry for another title.

Breaking Down the 50/40/90 Challenge

The 50/40/90 club is not only rare but also extremely difficult to achieve. Thompson’s career numbers suggest he has the tools, but there are key challenges he must overcome:

• Three-Point Shooting (40%): This is the easiest threshold for Thompson. In fact, he has shot at least 40 percent from beyond the arc in nine of his 13 seasons. His career three-point percentage sits just above 41 percent, placing him among the greatest long-range shooters of all time.

• Free Throw Shooting (90%): Thompson has steadily improved at the line over the years. He has topped 90 percent in three different seasons, including last year when he shot 90.5 percent, the second-best mark of his career. This indicates that he is more than capable of meeting this requirement.

• Field Goal Percentage (50%): This is where things get tricky. Thompson has never shot 50 percent from the field in a single season. His career high came in 2017-18 when he posted 48.8 percent, just shy of the mark. However, in his first season with Dallas in 2024-25, he shot a career-low 41.2 percent, showing a concerning drop in efficiency.

For Thompson, the biggest challenge lies in finishing around the rim and being more selective with his mid-range attempts. Given that he is primarily a jump shooter, breaking the 50 percent barrier will require adjustments to his shot selection and possibly more reliance on open looks created by Dončić and Irving.

A Bounce-Back Year Ahead?

Thompson’s first year in Dallas was respectable but inconsistent. His 39.1 percent three-point shooting was the third-lowest of his career, while his overall efficiency dipped significantly. Still, he proved he can adapt by focusing more on free throws, defensive leadership, and spacing.

This year, however, Thompson enters with renewed motivation. The Mavericks are viewed as one of the dark horse contenders for the 2026 NBA championship, and Thompson’s ability to rediscover his shooting rhythm will be key. Playing alongside Dončić, who commands constant defensive attention, and Irving, one of the smoothest scorers in the game, Thompson will have no shortage of quality looks.

How Kyrie Irving Can Help

Interestingly, Irving is one of the nine players to achieve the 50/40/90 milestone. His presence in Dallas could serve as both inspiration and guidance for Thompson. Irving’s elite shot-making and mastery of efficiency could provide practical advice on pacing, shot selection, and rhythm, helping Thompson navigate the challenges of the chase.

Thompson himself acknowledged Irving’s influence during Media Day, noting that he could lean on his teammate’s experience if he wants to join the exclusive group. Having someone in the locker room who understands the difficulty of sustaining that level of precision could prove invaluable.

The Legacy Angle

If Thompson were to achieve 50/40/90 status this late in his career, it would be a remarkable accomplishment. Most players who reach the milestone are either in their prime or operating as high-efficiency role players. For Thompson, doing it as a mid-30s veteran and primary shooter would elevate his reputation as one of the purest scorers in NBA history.

Combined with his championships, All-Star selections, and iconic shooting records, the achievement would add yet another layer to his already Hall of Fame-worthy résumé. Few players have left as indelible a mark on the game of basketball, and Thompson’s pursuit of greatness even in the later stages of his career shows his competitive spirit remains as strong as ever.

Conclusion

Klay Thompson’s quest to join the 50/40/90 club is more than just a statistical chase. It represents his commitment to excellence, his resilience after injuries and setbacks, and his desire to continue proving doubters wrong. While the field goal percentage barrier will be difficult to cross, Thompson has made a career out of accomplishing the improbable.

The Dallas Mavericks will rely on him to provide veteran leadership, championship experience, and clutch shooting as they aim for another deep playoff run. Whether or not Thompson ultimately hits the 50/40/90 mark, his determination to set ambitious goals at this stage of his career is a testament to why he remains one of the most respected players in the NBA.