Klay Thompson made a heartfelt return to the Chase Center on Tuesday night, receiving a warm welcome from around 400 Warriors employees who lined his path with cheers and applause. The atmosphere was festive, with many sporting “Captain Klay” hats in honor of Thompson’s 13 remarkable years with the Golden State Warriors, during which he played a pivotal role in securing four championships—even as he battled significant injuries.
After performing a brief jump-rope routine outside the Mavericks’ locker room, Thompson entered the court, greeted by roaring applause from fans eager to capture this emotional moment. Warriors coach Steve Kerr hinted at the excitement surrounding the game, noting the intensity of competition between Thompson and Stephen Curry, who thought about acknowledging the crowd but ultimately decided to focus on the game instead.
Thompson, now 34, joined the Dallas Mavericks in July on a three-year, $50 million deal after overcoming the challenge of missing over two and a half years due to injuries. Kerr reflected on Thompson’s journey, highlighting his resilience and the difficulty of missing prime seasons, acknowledging the emotional toll it took on him, particularly as he regained his form and contributed once again to championship success.
Despite the emotional weight of the occasion, Thompson has downplayed the significance of returning to the Bay Area, stating simply that basketball remains his primary focus. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd praised Thompson’s professionalism and the impact he would have on their team, regarding him as a crucial addition who would enhance their game strategy.
The Warriors organized a special “Salute Captain Klay” ceremony to honor Thompson’s contributions before the game. This was more than just a night of celebration; it marked a goodbye, as this was the first matchup between the Warriors and Thompson since his departure. Warriors President and COO Brandon Schneider reflected on Thompson’s invaluable impact on the franchise and the community, emphasizing the special nature of the evening.
Overall, while this event carries a bittersweet tone, it showcases the deep respect and admiration Klay Thompson garnered during his tenure with the Warriors. It also signifies a new chapter for him in Dallas, where he will have the opportunity to redefine his legacy while continuing to inspire fans and teammates alike.
In summary, this night of celebration for Klay Thompson not only honored his past achievements and contributions but also opened the door to future possibilities as he embraces change on a new team. Hope lies in his potential to thrive in this new environment while also cherishing the legacy he built in Golden State.