To decompress from the NBA Finals, Klay Thompson went on a fishing trip in Newport Beach.
“It was nice to be out on the water,” Thompson told Fitz and Kolsky on KNBR 680.
Now, exactly one month since the Cavaliers beat the Warriors in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, it’s back to work for Thompson. The shooting guard is in Las Vegas with Team USA, scrimmaging with the country’s best basketball players and getting direction from coaches Mike Krzyzewski and Gregg Popovich.
As if the Warriors needed any more of a leg up on their NBA competition, Thompson is using the Olympics as a way to better understand Kevin Durant — as a person and a player.
“I’m getting a feel for how KD plays, his personality, where he likes the ball, his hot spots and just getting to know him, man,” Thompson said. “I’m not taking it for granted. I’m trying to get a head start on the season and grow our relationship now.”
That relationship on the court, in theory, should help propel Thompson into an elite role player. The burden of carrying the offense will rest on Durant and Steph Curry’s shoulder’s. Thompson will get a bevy of open shots, he’ll do a lot more slashing and he will get to focus on being a lock down defender.
Although we’ve brought up concerns about how Thompson will get his 15 shots per game, the All-Star is nothing but smiles with the addition of Durant.
“I thought my life was easy playing with Steph, now it’s going to be so much easier playing with KD. It’s going to be a great ride, man.”
Thompson said he hopes to run into Usain Bolt or Tyson Gay at the Olympics Games in Rio, which begin August 5th. At first Thompson thought he would need more time to feel recharged, but as he’s practicing with Team USA in Las Vegas, he’s ready to take on Brazil.
“When you get out here and you’re hooping with all these great players, it’s so awesome. I’m so happy to be here and I’m so excited for this new journey.
“I’m really excited for that Opening Ceremony, being able to walk out there with my teammates, and how historical the Olympics are. I can’t even put into words.”