Klay embracing Warriors bench role clear to Kerr, Steph

Klay embracing Warriors bench role clear to Kerr, Steph originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Klay Thompson’s move to the Warriors’ bench is four games old and has produced mixed results. But it’s clear to the five-time NBA All-Star and those closest to him that he is embracing his new role.

“I never really looked at coming off the bench as a demotion considering I’m still playing 25 to 30 minutes a night,” Thompson told reporters after scoring 23 points in the Warriors’ 119-103 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night at Chase Center. “I’ve been in this league a long time and to still be contributing at a high level and playing those type of minutes, you got to be grateful for that.”

Those comments were in response to Warriors coach Steve Kerr addressing Thompson’s new role during his pregame press conference Sunday.

“His approach feels so much better than it was even a few weeks ago,” Kerr told reporters before the game. “This has been an emotional season for him. You guys know this. He’s been grappling with his mortality in some ways as an athlete. He knows how good he was six years ago and he’s had a hard time reconciling everything after the injuries. And the thing we keep trying to convince him of is that he’s still a hell of a player.

“But he’s at his best when he’s not pressing and he’s not stressed out and worried about trying to be the guy he was six years ago. I think coming off the bench has maybe helped in that regard. I just notice he’s more relaxed. His approach, his leadership in the locker room, it feels different, and I think he’s starting to get more comfortable with the role but all the biggest picture stuff that has been bothering him.”

Kerr complimented Klay for coming off the bench, saying, “His approach feels so much better than it was even a few weeks ago…he’s at his best when he’s not pressing and he’s not stressed out, worried about trying to be the guy who was six years ago.”

— Kerith Burke (@KerithBurke) February 25, 2024

Thompson, in the final year of his contract, is producing some of the worst numbers of his career. He’s averaging just 17.1 points this season, which…

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Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-02-26 15:57:00

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