Steph Curry opened up about Klay Thompson’s departure from the Golden State Warriors, calling it a strange and surreal experience. Thompson, who spent 13 seasons with the Warriors, left the team during the offseason to join the Dallas Mavericks, marking the end of an era for the Splash Brothers.
Reflecting on the change, Curry acknowledged how odd it feels not having Thompson alongside him. He shared his thoughts during the Warriors’ media day on September 30. “It hit me that Klay wouldn’t be suiting up this season,” Curry said, via Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN. “Talking about him like he died, super weird.”
Curry fondly recalled Thompson’s presence at the practice facility, often arriving in his signature laid-back style. “He had a lightness about him,” Curry said. “He’d come in with his Dockers on, fresh off his boat, and his one-liners always brought levity.”
Thompson’s departure came as a surprise, not just for fans but for Curry and the rest of the team. Curry mentioned that, up until a week before Thompson signed with Dallas, he didn’t think it would actually happen. “You get used to people moving teams, but we never really thought it was going to end,” he added.
Thompson’s move also hit Warriors forward Draymond Green hard. Green, another core member of Golden State’s championship run, felt the absence of his longtime teammate during an offseason workout. “I walked into the locker room, and Klay’s old locker had two new names on it,” Green said. “That’s when I realized, ‘Oh s—, this is real.'”
Thompson’s departure marks a significant shift for the Warriors, as he was an integral part of their dynasty. His ability to space the floor and his defensive tenacity were pivotal in the team’s four NBA titles. However, as Curry noted, life in sports comes with its share of surprises and changes. “Life throws a lot of curveballs in sports,” Curry said.
While the Warriors are preparing for the upcoming season without Thompson, they still hold the memories of their historic run together. Curry and Thompson formed one of the most iconic backcourt duos in NBA history, revolutionizing the game with their shooting prowess and on-court chemistry.
Thompson’s decision to join the Mavericks brings a new chapter to his career. In Dallas, he will look to contribute alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving as the team aims to contend in the Western Conference. For the Warriors, it’s the end of an era, but they will move forward, aiming to remain competitive in the West.
