Klay Thompson had the privilege of being an important player in the most recent NBA dynasty that was the Golden State Warriors. And despite their historic times of success, even they had their moments of friction.
Thompson was part of the Warriors’ young core featuring himself, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. They developed throughout the 2010s as head coach Steve Kerr took over in 2014 and transformed them into the stars fans know them in present day.
As a result, Golden State became a dynasty overnight. They won four titles from 2014 to 2022, including a repeat in 2017 and 2018. The squad cemented themselves as one of the greatest squads in NBA history as opponents had a difficult time figuring out ways to beat them, especially in the playoffs.
Thompson appeared on the “Showtime With Coop” podcast with host Michael Cooper. Thompson looked back on the memories of his time on the Warriors, having left the team in 2024 for the Dallas Mavericks. However, he revealed there were times of imperfection for a team that many viewed as invincible.
“For us, there have been a lot of scuffles,” Thompson said. “There have been a lot of bad words said and feelings hurt. But at the end of the day, we know we just want to win. When you raise a banner, you can look past all the stuff you went through as brothers.”
“There were times there would be friction between Draymond and I or Steph and I or Coach and I,” Thompson admitted. “It is just part of it. And you grow from it. You’re man enough to leave that on the court and be professional about it.”
What Lies Ahead For Warriors
GettyJimmy Butler III #10, Draymond Green #23 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors react in the second half against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center on February 27, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
The Warriors will never forget Klay Thompson’s impact on that squad.
He was the second-best shooter in the NBA, right after his co-star Stephen Curry. As a dynamic duo, they constantly torched opponents game in and game out when they were at the peak of their powers.
However, Thompson’s prime ended sooner after tearing his ACL in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals and Achilles during the 2020 offseason. It took away plenty of his athleticism as his role in the team lessened over time as he got older.
Thompson left the Warriors after 11 seasons, averaging 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game after 793 total appearances. He shot 45.3% from the field, including 41.3% from beyond the arc, and 85.8% from the free-throw line. He earned five All-Star selections while landing on the All-NBA third team twice in 2015 and 2016.
Even without Thompson, the Warriors still remain a fierce team with Curry and Draymond Green continuing to lead the way. They have retooled the roster enough to remain playoff contenders, acquiring Jimmy Butler III by the 2025 trade deadline.
The team has plenty of potential for a title run, losing in the West Semis to the Minnesota Timberwolves after Curry suffered a hamstring strain. It will be up to the front office to figure out how to fill out the remaining spots on the roster to give Golden State one last title push while their veteran stars are still around.
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