Klay Thompson walked into Tuesday’s Bay Space homecoming calling it “just another regular season game” that he desires to win. He got here away from the sport stuffed 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 one among their best sons. Earlier than the sport, practically 400 Warriors workers lined up to greet him within the tunnel at Chase Middle. After that, Thompson obtained probably the most epic tribute video you may 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 in the course of the sport, 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 perpetually revere him for bringing it 4 NBA titles and a lifetime of recollections.
“It was a extremely cool expertise. I admire the followers very a lot,” Thompson mentioned, through 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 a number 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 with no consideration. It was very superior.”
Earlier within the presser, the five-time All-Star mentioned it was “sudden” to see tons of of Golden State workers greet him with captain’s hats within the tunnel. He supplied “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 response to a number of insiders, he did not depart the group on account of a dispute over pay however as a substitute 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 12 months and struggled to search out his rhythm. He wrapped up his Warriors stint with arguably the worst night time of his profession, going 0-of-10 from the sphere in a play-in loss to the Kings. In the end, he inked a three-year, $50 million take care of 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 the way issues ended. They could 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.
