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Klay Thompson Mourns Loss Of His Beloved Pet Rocco: 'A Great Dynasty Dog'
Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Klay Thompson has been part of some of the most iconic moments in NBA history, but his latest tribute had nothing to do with basketball stats, game-winners, or championship rings. Instead, it was a heartfelt goodbye to Rocco, his beloved English bulldog, who passed away at the age of 13. 

With a deeply personal message on Instagram, Thompson honored the memory of his loyal companion, describing Rocco as a "great dynasty dog", words that hit home for both Warriors and Mavericks fans alike.

"I’m gonna miss Rocco a lot, 13 glorious years with my boy . I know he’s in doggy heaven poppin somebody’s ball. A great dynasty dog he was. Thank you for all the sweet messages ! All dogs go to Heaven!"

Rocco wasn’t just a pet, he was a fixture in Klay Thompson’s life and, by extension, a subtle yet lovable presence in the NBA world. From postgame appearances to viral social media clips of Rocco lounging on boats or strolling into the Warriors' facility, the wrinkly bulldog became a symbol of Thompson’s grounded nature. 

In an era when NBA stars are often larger-than-life personalities, Thompson stood out for his authenticity, and Rocco was a big part of that image.

Drafted by Golden State in 2011, Klay and Rocco essentially grew up together in the NBA. Through four championships, devastating injuries, and even the quiet recovery periods away from the spotlight, Rocco was a constant. 

Warriors fans remember him just as fondly as the countless three-pointers Klay splashed in Oracle Arena. The duo was inseparable, and Rocco’s presence offered a glimpse into the personal side of an otherwise fiercely competitive athlete.

Warriors fans, affectionately known as Dub Nation, took to social media to share memories and condolences, many posting photos or memes of Rocco that had become staples during Klay’s time in Golden State.

Even though Klay now plays for the Mavericks and is entering a new chapter of his career, the emotional core that connected him to fans hasn’t changed. Rocco was more than just a dog, he was a symbol of loyalty, resilience, and joy. 

For Thompson, Rocco was there during the highs of parades and the lows of surgeries. He wasn’t just the dynasty dog, he was family.

As Klay continues his journey in Dallas, chasing a fifth ring and forging a new identity post-Warriors, one thing remains certain: the legacy of Rocco lives on in the hearts of NBA fans everywhere. 

Because sometimes, the deepest bonds aren’t measured by games played or trophies won, they're measured in years spent together, quietly weathering life’s ups and downs. Rocco was Klay’s most loyal teammate, and that’s a legacy worth celebrating.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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