Have you ever had a dream that seemed so genuine that you had to ponder for a moment whether it was real or imagined? You remove the perspiration from your forehead and kick off the covers to allow yourself to breathe. You blink quickly to get your eyes clear as you squint at the clock radio on the desk. West Coast time, 9:00 a.m.
On this final Monday morning in September, it is. With your legs hanging down and your head scratching, you perch on the bed’s edge, pondering about the nightmare you just experienced. The apprehensive creature under consideration? Klay Thompson representing a different team at media day.Let me tell you something, buddy: it is a reality. Wellp. In his illustrious 12-year career, Klay enjoyed his first media day today without donning the gold-and-blue of the Golden State Warriors. After Klay left during the offseason, do you recall Steph Curry’s Instagram post?
“You’ll be missed, @klaythompson. “What we did will never be done again, even though we won’t complete the journey together,” Curry wrote. “It was the best run I could have imagined with you and (Draymond Green).” altered the entire Bay Area. altered the gameplay of the game. In the center of it all is Killa Klay. I’m grateful for everything, my brother. Go have fun doing what you do and playing basketball.
“My guy, splash bros 4 life.”Klay shot 43% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc to average 17.9 points per game. The most games he has participated in in the two and a half seasons after his terrible back-to-back injuries in 2019 and 2020 was 77.
In all honesty, it’s amazing Klay was still averaging those numbers in the long run, considering that Achilles and ACL surgeries have historically ended the careers of multiple NBA players, not to mention diminished their effectiveness when they play.
Steve Kerr, Klay’s former head coach, said the following about the late star, according to Tim Kawakami:
Kerr responded, “Yeah, there were signs.” Clearly, none of us anticipated what would occur. We were all hoping he would stay. My desire was for Klay to be a Warrior forever. It seemed like the proper decision. However, you can never truly know what is best for another person. That individual alone is aware.
“I believe that Klay realized at the conclusion of the year that he wanted to go for his own reasons. I’m glad for him. I really believe that this will be a wise decision. Luke Dončić and Kyrie Irving are two excellent creators on the team he will play for. There ought to be plenty of open shots. A late-career shift in one’s career can, in my opinion, occasionally revitalize and reinvigorate one.
“I hope Klay is able to heal psychologically and emotionally from his injuries. To be honest, I don’t think he was able to do so here. I believe a new beginning is ideal for him. I believe it might be beneficial to us.