Klay Thompson, at 34, is determined to remain a part of the Golden State Warriors, even if it means adjusting his role on the team. Despite facing challenges this season, including a career-low shooting percentage, Thompson is open to taking a reduced role and potentially accepting a hometown discount to stay with the Warriors when he becomes an Unrestricted Free Agent in the offseason.
Acknowledging his age and recent injuries, including tearing his ACL in the 2019 NBA Finals and injuring his Achilles in 2020, Thompson recognizes that he may not be the same player he once was. However, he still believes he can contribute significantly to the team, even if it means not being the primary scorer he was before.
"There’s nothing wrong with that. 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. 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." : Said Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson says he’s open to a reduced role if it means staying with the Warriors, per @loganmmurdock
"There’s nothing wrong with that. 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… pic.twitter.com/kTgP2fJ3or
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 12, 2024
Thompson"s willingness to adapt his game echoes the paths taken by Hall of Famers Ray Allen and Reggie Miller, who transitioned into valuable bench players known for their scoring abilities and basketball intelligence as they aged. Both Allen and Miller found success in their later years, with Allen winning an NBA title with the Miami Heat in 2013 and Miller playing until he was 39 years old.
As Thompson continues to navigate his recovery and adjust to his new role, he remains focused on helping the Warriors succeed this season. Despite his struggles, he aims to contribute to the team"s playoff push and make the most of the remaining months of the regular season.
Overall, Thompson"s commitment to the Warriors and his willingness to embrace change highlight his dedication to the team"s success, both now and in the future.
