For the Golden State Warriors and their fans, the upcoming return of four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson is set to be a celebration of one of the franchise’s greatest players. However, the new Dallas Mavericks guard doesn’t seem to have marked this first game back in the Bay Area against his former team as a notable occasion.
“That chapter is over,” Thompson told Andscape after the Mavericks’ 122-120 loss to the Denver Nuggets. “I’m in the midst of trying to win here. There is no point in missing anything when we have such a great opportunity here to be great. There’s no point in looking back … I got to look forward. I got to try to give my best self here.”
Thompson, who was drafted by the Warriors in 2011, spent 11 seasons with the team, achieving an average of 19.6 points and making 3.1 3-pointers per game. He won four NBA championships, participated in six NBA Finals, and became second only to Stephen Curry in 3-pointers made with 2,481. Despite these accomplishments, Thompson says he hasn’t taken time to reflect.
“I cherish it, but I am still trying to move on and win here,” Thompson remarked.
While the Warriors extended contracts for Curry, Green, Wiggins, and Poole, Thompson didn’t secure a deal with Golden State despite eligibility last season, eventually becoming an unrestricted free agent in June. This led him to sign a three-year, $50 million contract with the Mavericks on July 1.
When asked if there was any disappointment about his departure, Thompson simply responded, “Not really, to be honest. That’s just how things go.”
Joining a Mavericks team that recently reached the NBA Finals with stars Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, Thompson expressed confidence in their potential. “We have some real experience and a chance of winning,” he said, acknowledging the team’s current .500 record but emphasizing the importance of peaking at the right time.
Although Thompson was part of a historic trio with Curry and Green, he said he hasn’t stayed in touch with them: “I’m locked-in. Not really. I will see them when I see them. That’s it.”
Fondly remembered in the Bay Area for his unique personality, Thompson stated the only thing he misses is “the water,” and he has no plans to arrive by boat for the game. In his honor, Golden State will hold a “Salute Captain Klay” night, with a tribute video and fans receiving captain’s hats, as the Warriors also plan to retire his No. 11 jersey one day.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr remarked, “I think we all are [looking forward to it]. It will be very emotional.” Thompson, however, kept his response low-key, “I guess it’s a good thing for the fans. So, kudos to that.”
Coincidentally, Tuesday’s game is also the first NBA Cup game for both teams. “It will be good to see people that you grinded with obviously,” Thompson said, adding that the NBA Cup is “on my mind, is to win that.”
Despite the anticipated fanfare, Thompson downplayed any expectation of feeling emotional. “I’ve been playing basketball for a long time,” he said. “Basketball is basketball.”
