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Former Golden State Warriors center Festus Ezeli recently spoke about Klay Thompson’s impact beyond his sharpshooting abilities. Ezeli, who played with Thompson during the Warriors’ 2015 championship run, shared his thoughts in a conversation on ESPN.

Ezeli emphasized that Thompson was a crucial presence in the locker room for reasons beyond his skill set. “In the locker room, Klay Thompson was such a huge boost for morale because of how low-maintenance he was,” Ezeli said.

Thompson, known for his lethal three-point shooting, also played a key role in maintaining team chemistry. According to Ezeli, Thompson’s easygoing personality made him an essential part of the Warriors’ culture.

Ezeli’s comments come as Thompson leaves the Warriors for the Dallas Mavericks after four championships with Golden State. His departure marks the end of an era for the Warriors, who relied on Thompson for much more than his scoring.

The departure of Thompson also signals a changing of the guard in the NBA, as the league sees a shift from older stars to younger players.