Faithful to Golden State since its inception, Klay Thompson does not intend to change tack. According to his own words, he is even ready to imitate Michael Jordan in a specific area. By the way, he dropped a huge compliment to a member of the franchise.
When you become a champion, it’s hard to hold back your joy and all the emotions that go with it. To illustrate this, nothing better than to observe the reaction of Klay Thompson, a few minutes after the end of the Finals against the Celtics. On the set ofNBA TV in the company of his trainer Steve Kerr, he thus released a magnificent declaration of love to him in a few words, invoking in passing a certain legend of the Bulls:
I’m going to do a Michael Jordan, I’m not going to play for any coach other than Steve Kerr. I pledge my allegiance to him.
Klay Thompson only wants to play for Steve Kerr
The words are very strong coming from the guard, but we can completely understand it. Apart from Mark Jackson in his debut between 2011 and 2014, KT has only known the former Chicago shooter as his main tactician in his career. Besides the successes they were able to celebrate together, Kerr was also there for him on a daily basis during his long recovery of two and a half years. He also reiterated his comments on his teammate’s podcast Draymond Green :
I said to Steve Kerr on the NBA TV podium, I said, “You know, I’m going to do a Michael Jordan.” I bond with Steve, I don’t play for anyone other than Steve. That’s the plan and it would be weird to be in another franchise with another jersey, so I’m just grateful to be here and to be mentioned with the Lakers, Celtics and Bulls. Now we are there.
In addition to reaffirming his wish to want to stay until the end in the Bay with the Warriors, Killa Klay therefore really does not intend to play under the orders of another coach. That’s good, a change of personnel in this position is clearly not in sight in San Francisco. Apart from a few health concerns, Kerr is firmly established in the franchise and shows no signs of wanting to move on. The cooperation should actually last for a while yet.
But then, what is this reference to MJ? In fact, Thompson is referring to the relationship between No. 23 and Phil Jackson, whom he greatly respected. In 1997, when it was announced that this would be the Zen Master’s last season in Chicago, His Airness dropped the following statement to fans:
Jerry Krause announced on national television that this is Phil Jackson’s last year as a coach. If that’s true and this is Phil Jackson’s last year, then this is my last year as a player.
Difficult to do stronger as a declaration of love for his coach, and Steve Kerr can congratulate himself on having acquired such a level of loyalty from Klay Thompson. Further proof that the atmosphere in the Warriors locker room could not be healthier.
