Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson is navigating through a challenging season. After being among the NBA’s top wing players in his prime, he appears to be coming to terms with his current capabilities.
In an interview with Logan Murdock of The Ringer, Thompson, on the verge of free agency, expressed his openness to taking on a smaller role with the Warriors, stating, “Yeah, there’s nothing wrong with that.”
After opting not to sign a multiyear extension last summer to bet on himself, Thompson’s performance this season has seen a dip, with averages of 16.9 points, 41.3 percent in field goal shooting, and 37.3 percent in three-point shooting— all of which are the lowest in his career.
Thompson acknowledged that his significant injuries have impacted his ability to play at his former level, yet he remains optimistic about contributing effectively as he ages. Approaching his 35th birthday next year and having endured major injuries like ACL and Achilles tears, Thompson reflected on his situation.
“I’ll be 35 next year. At 35, coming off the ACL and an Achilles [tear] and still have the ability to be a really good player. Maybe not the guy who scored 60 in three quarters and scored an NBA record 37 points in a quarter, but still a great threat out there,” Thompson said. “I’ve modeled my game after Reggie [Miller] and Ray [Allen], and those guys were incredibly effective until their late 30s. So I plan on kind of following that mold.”
“But I’ve kind of had a revelation over the past few days that despite the shooting numbers or the inconsistent play, I deserve to have fun, and I deserve to play with swagger,” Thompson explained.
Despite occasional frustrations and reduced playing time this season, including being benched during the fourth quarter of a recent victory over the Brooklyn Nets, Thompson has adjusted his outlook. He emphasized the importance of enjoying the game and playing confidently, regardless of his statistical performance.
“I mean, just for where we started,” Thompson said. “The Warriors before we got there had a good history as far as Wilt and Rick Barry and TMC and We Believe. I think we elevated that to another level. I just think it’s a special, special group, and then when we win and go to so many championships together…it’s like a bond for life. It’s probably the best part of the job, honestly. Trumps the money, trumps the fame, just being able to have a bond for life with those guys.”
Thompson cherishes his journey with the Warriors, a team he has been with his entire career, contributing to four NBA championships. He highlighted the unique and enduring bond formed with his teammates, valuing it above fame and financial rewards.
