Klay Thompson walked into Tuesday’s Bay Space homecoming calling it “just another regular season game” that he needs to win. He got here away from the sport crammed with gratitude. And why would not he? He is human, in any case.
The Warriors went above and past in celebrating the legacy left behind by considered one of their biggest sons. Earlier than the sport, practically 400 Warriors staff lined up to greet him within the tunnel at Chase Heart. After that, Thompson acquired essentially the most epic tribute video you will ever see, which ended with hundreds of followers waving their “Captain Klay hats” in honor of an avid sailor who performs basketball in his spare time.
Even through the recreation, a bit of Warriors followers could not assist however cheer when Thompson drained a game-high six threes.
The outpouring of affection was an excessive amount of for Thompson to disregard. After the sport, he thanked a fan base that may endlessly revere him for bringing it 4 NBA titles and a lifetime of reminiscences.
“It was a extremely cool expertise. I admire the followers very a lot,” Thompson mentioned, by way of The Athletic’s Anthony Slater. “The captain’s hat ended up being an excellent contact as a result of I am such a passionate boater. I noticed loads of acquainted faces within the crowd, that was a warm-hearted feeling. It was actually cool to see the followers ship gratitude in direction of myself. It is one thing I received’t ever take as a right. It was very superior.”
Earlier within the presser, the five-time All-Star mentioned it was “sudden” to see a whole bunch of Golden State staff greet him with captain’s hats within the tunnel. He provided “kudos” to the group for appreciating his contributions to the franchise.
Did the Warriors make amends?
Thompson’s feedback hinted at his stint with the Warriors not ending on the perfect of phrases. In accordance with a number of insiders, he did not depart the group as a result of a dispute over pay however as an alternative over frustrations with how he was used within the 2023-24 season.
The sharpshooter got here off the bench for the primary time since his sophomore yr and struggled to search out his rhythm. He wrapped up his Warriors stint with arguably the worst evening of his profession, going 0-of-10 from the sector in a play-in loss to the Kings. In the end, he inked a three-year, $50 million cope with the Mavericks when he may have signed a extra profitable contract with the Warriors, per a number of insiders.
Maybe the Warriors wished to make amends for a way issues ended. They might have additionally opened the door for Thompson, 34, to probably return to the franchise earlier than calling time on his profession. Golden State has already retired his No. 11 jersey and plans to erect a statue in his honor after he hangs it up.
