Klay’s return vs. Warriors could be emotional closure he seeks

Klay’s return vs. Warriors could be emotional closure he seeks originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Avoidance is a mask everyone has worn.

Klay Thompson can call his return to Chase Center to play against the Warriors for the first time Tuesday night “just another regular-season game in November.” He’s entitled to say, “basketball is basketball” and that “there is no point in missing anything” as he tries to focus on his new chapter in Dallas.

Thompson, 34, is doing his damndest to stay in the moment, something he begged reporters to do during and after his final season with the Warriors when he clearly was distraught. Truth be told, his return will be deeply emotional, but for more than just himself.

Fans rode the highs of Thompson’s countless memorable, and even historic, moments in his 13 years with the Warriors, and the lows of him missing two-plus of those seasons to leg injuries. His pairing with Steph Curry created an iconic nickname and the greatest backcourt in NBA history for more than a decade. Add in Draymond Green, also drafted by the Warriors, and you have one of the best trios basketball ever will witness, with each having uniquely generational skills.

Happiness, sadness, anger and pure joy. Steph, Klay and Draymond felt it all in their time together as teammates.

Coach Steve Kerr was the ringleader for all four championships they celebrated. Memories are sure to rush through his head the first time he sees Thompson, simultaneously scheming ways to make sure he doesn’t catch fire against his former team. But Kerr, now in his 11th season at the helm, isn’t even the longest-tenured Warriors coach on his staff.

Chris DeMarco was hired as the Warriors’ video coordinator the year after Thompson was drafted and rose up the ranks to become one of their most important assistant coaches, building a relationship that extended well past the court with Klay and his family. DeMarco also is the Bahamas national team coach, which has received ample support from Klay and his father Mychal.

Klay’s younger brother, Mychel, played for the Warriors’ G League affiliate in Santa Cruz and…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/klays-return-vs-warriors-could-225123686.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-11-11 22:51:00

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