Kerr thanks Klay, understands why Warriors icon decided to leave

Kerr thanks Klay, understands why Warriors icon decided to leave originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

LAS VEGAS – Steve Kerr’s current main responsibility is ensuring a historically stacked group of superstars for Team USA Men’s Basketball gets the job done at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics and brings home the gold.

The Warriors’ coach also isn’t oblivious to one of the NBA’s biggest stories right now, with Klay Thompson moving on to the Dallas Mavericks in free agency. Before Kerr even fielded questions Saturday from the Mendenhall Center at UNLV on the opening day of Team USA training camp, he took the time to first thank Thompson for his iconic career in a Warriors jersey.

“I just want to say thank you to Klay Thompson for 13 incredible years, 10 of which I was there for,” Kerr began. “What he did for the team, the organization, the Bay Area, for me personally – the relationship that we have, all the incredible success, but more importantly just going through it all together has been so meaningful and so amazing.

“We’re going to miss Klay. We wish him the best. These things rarely go like you want where you get to draw it up and execute it and everybody goes out together. We were hoping that could happen, but it didn’t and we wish Klay well.

“We love him and we’ll miss him. Klay, if you’re watching this, thank you for everything.”

Thompson was 24 years old entering his fourth season as a Warrior when Kerr replaced Mark Jackson as his head coach. Kerr was 49 at the time and was embarking on his first experience as a coach in any capacity. The Southern California natives, who have an affinity for the beach, were perfect for each other.

Expanding on the brilliance of a backcourt that featured the greatest shooters of all time – Thompson and Steph Curry – the former Warriors shooting guard instantly became an All-Star in Kerr’s first year as head coach. They also won their first title together in that 2014-15 season, beginning a run of five straight trips to the NBA Finals and getting fitted for three rings.

That 2014-15 season was Thompson’s first as an All-Star, too. He…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/kerr-thanks-klay-understands-why-011926208.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-07-07 01:19:26

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