Klay Thompson to 'process' season before free agency begins
Klay Thompson’s finale without scoring leads into his free agency this offseason.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Fighting his emotions from the most frustrating of nights, Klay Thompson peered high into the upper deck of Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center and caught a glimpse of one remaining fan wearing his No. 11 jersey.
That moment meant a great deal to him, a lasting memory to take into the offseason that is far sweeter than his 0-for-10 shooting performance in a 118-94 loss at Sacramento in the play-in tournament Tuesday night that ended the Warriors season without a playoff berth.
“Tuesday, the main question was if I would be donning the same No. 11 jersey next season,” Thompson said. “However, during the game, when I glanced up at the nosebleeds, I spotted a man in a number 11 jersey. It brought me joy, especially given my past experiences in Sacramento, from winning a state championship to facing off against the Kings in the playoffs.”
For me, that was somewhat of a complete circle. It was really a pleasant moment to see that lone Warriors fan standing in the 300 level, proudly wearing number 11. It filled me with gratitude.
Thompson knows he wants to keep winning and has his sights set on a fifth championship before calling it a career.
One of the biggest decisions for Thompson and Golden State going into the offseason is determining where that might be.
After the Warriors’ elimination following a defeat to the Kings in the Play-In Tournament, what should be Golden State’s strategy for the offseason?
“It’s clear you’d want to continue winning. Once you’ve tasted victorious seasons, it’s hard to give that up. Therefore, I am eager to notch up another win. Having a ring on each finger would indeed be delightful,” he shared, referencing his desire for a fifth championship. “I still believe it’s attainable. Yes, it will require a monumental effort. But beyond that, one needs to contemplate what will truly bring joy in the twilight years of one’s career.”
For now, Thompson insisted he needs some time to decompress first. The season was a grind. He went in and out of the starting lineup and said he has learned not to be what he calls a “front-runner.”
“He said, ‘When you don’t meet your expected splits, you sulk and pout. I believe I improved on that this year by constantly displaying positive body language and thinking beyond just statistics. I focused on my passion for the game and the reasons why I play it.'”
Thompson has repeatedly stated his intention to remain with Golden State throughout his career, saying earlier this year, “I would love to be a Warrior for life.”
However, he has mentioned that he also needs to consider his options.
“He said, ‘I honestly haven’t given much thought to the distant future as I’m still processing the past year, which was filled with highs and lows. Despite everything, both I and our team did whatever we could to secure as many victories as possible.'”
Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and the rest of the Warriors certainly hope he will remain with Golden State to continue that title hunt and that this wasn’t his final game with them — though Curry’s Splash Brother wasn’t ready to make any bold statements about what’s next while still feeling the sting of season being over far sooner than anybody would have imagined.
Thompson failing to make any of his six 3-point attempts was particularly difficult for coach Steve Kerr to observe.
“Klay means so much to me. We’ve been together for a decade,” said Kerr. “Over the last couple of years, I’ve seen him struggle with the heartbreak of injuries. However, he’s managed to turn his season around through his attitude. I noticed him thoroughly enjoying the latter part of the season, playing with an increased sense of liberty and happiness.”
Thompson, who is 34 years old, will become a free agent in July as his five-year contract worth almost $190 million is due to expire.
“His entire career has been spent here,” Kevon Looney, a teammate, stated on Wednesday. “Steph and Draymond are the names that come to mind when you think of the Warriors, as well as him. Seeing him in a different jersey or playing for another team would feel strange. However, in today’s NBA, players tend to switch teams more often than they remain. It’s difficult for me to envision that.”
Thompson continues to be immensely proud of his victorious comeback after being absent for over 2 1/2 years. He missed the entire seasons of 2019-20 and 2020-21 recuperating from surgeries on his left knee and right Achilles.
He is resolved to continue playing and disprove people’s assumptions.
“Regarding setting an end date for my career, I’m not trying to do that,” said Thompson. “When that time comes, it’s really something you navigate by instinct.”
