Klay Thompson has found a new rhythm off the court, channeling his energy into the ocean as he balances his NBA career with a passion for island life.
The Dallas Mavericks guard spoke openly about his love for the water, calling it an escape from the stresses of city life and professional basketball. “The island life — it flows through me,” Thompson said on NBA History & Storytellers on CLNS, via HoopsHype. “There’s nothing like an early morning launch out of the harbor.”
The five-time All-Star explained that his connection to the ocean grew during the years he missed recovering from injuries. In that time, he took courses on fishing and learned how to captain a vessel.
Now, his downtime is spent outdoors, often anchored in calm waters, swimming, spearfishing, and cooking meals directly off the bow of his boat. Thompson described the experience as the ultimate reset.
The veteran guard’s off-court lifestyle comes as he continues adjusting to a new chapter in his career with Dallas. After spending 13 seasons with Golden State and winning four championships, he signed with the Mavericks in the summer of 2024.
In his first season in Dallas, Thompson averaged 14 points per game while shooting 39.1% from beyond the arc. Though his role has shifted, he remains one of the league’s most respected perimeter shooters.
For Thompson, the balance between competition and serenity has become essential. The stress of a long season can fade when he returns to the water, giving him perspective away from the spotlight.
“It’s my biggest passion,” Thompson said. “Whatever stress you had in the city — responsibilities, work, anything weighing you down — it all disappears.”
