Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson appreciated NBA legend Larry Bird “going out of his way” to compliment him.
During the annual Tech Summit, Bird said Thompson “has always been one of my favorite players.”
“It’s very nice to be reminded, especially from someone like Larry, who I not only looked up to but who I heard about my whole life — especially from my dad,” Thompson told Sam Amick of The Athletic. “I watched the Showtime Lakers versus those Celtics teams, and it was just a really cool thing to hear. To hear him going out of his way to say that meant so much to me. Ray sent me the clip, and I’m gonna keep that clip forever.”
One of the greatest shooters in NBA history, Thompson is shooting a career-low 37.6% from beyond the arc this season. He was recently moved to a bench role by Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.
It’s been a trying season for Thompson, which is why Bird’s words meant so much to him.
“It’s on my phone,” Thompson said with a smile. “I’ll put that (compliment) in the same category as when Kobe (Bryant) called me and Steph great players with that killer instinct (in 2016). It means the world to me.”
Thompson is averaging 17.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists this season while shooting 42.1% from the field and 92.2% from the foul line. The four-time champion has a plus-minus of -38.
“I’m doing great,” Thompson said. “I think I’m doing much better in not putting my identity in my performance, especially after 11 years of NBA basketball. That alone is an incredible accomplishment. And to be out here and still be playing and having fun and being healthy, that trumps any big shooting night or 50-40-90 milestones.
“It took me a long time to realize that, but once I finally did, my game has been much better. I’ve been so much more at ease and realizing that, ‘Gosh, this is such a cool opportunity for me.’ Guys would kill to be in my shoes, even with all the injuries and all that. The heights we’ve reached are rare, so it’s been awesome.”
The Warriors are 30-27. They are in ninth place in the West.
Thompson, 34, becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.
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