Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson, a four-time NBA champion, has long held a deep admiration for retired Spanish cyclist Alejandro Valverde. The respect between the two athletes, representing distinct worlds of professional sport, highlights a shared understanding of dedication and overcoming adversity. Thompson’s appreciation for “El Bala” – as Valverde is affectionately known – extends beyond simple fandom, showcasing a genuine connection forged through mutual respect for athletic excellence.
Thompson first publicly acknowledged his admiration for Valverde in late 2022, during the final year of the cyclist’s storied professional career. He posted a photo on social media of himself arriving at a Los Angeles Lakers game on a bicycle in an aerodynamic position, accompanied by the caption “Klayandro Valverde.” Valverde playfully responded, inquiring if he, too, was a “Splash Brother” – a nod to Thompson’s celebrated partnership with Stephen Curry.
Speaking recently with MD, Thompson elaborated on his admiration. “I like Alejandro’s name and what I like most is his nickname, ‘El Bala’,” he said. “I have a great respect for cyclists. The amount of training and cardiovascular strength required to be a world-class cyclist is truly amazing, and I have great respect for him and all cyclists who compete at the world level. It’s simply an incredible sport of endurance and willpower.”
The connection between Thompson and Valverde resonates beyond their athletic achievements. Both athletes have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of significant setbacks. Valverde, despite suffering a severe knee injury – a fractured kneecap during the 2018 Tour de France – remarkably recovered to win the World Championship that same year at the age of 38. Thompson, similarly, battled back from a grueling injury spell, returning to the court in 2022 after more than two and a half years sidelined by a torn ACL and a ruptured Achilles tendon. He went on to win his fourth NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors.
This shared history of overcoming adversity appears to be a key component of Thompson’s respect for Valverde. It’s a narrative of perseverance that transcends the boundaries of their respective sports. For many athletes, the mental fortitude required to return to peak performance after such serious injuries is often as challenging as the physical rehabilitation itself.
Thompson’s admiration isn’t isolated. The respect extends to recognizing the sheer physical demands of professional cycling. The sport requires an extraordinary level of cardiovascular fitness, strategic thinking, and pain tolerance. It’s a grueling test of endurance that often goes underappreciated outside of the cycling community.
Interestingly, the current best cyclist in the world, Tadej Pogačar of Slovenia, shares a nationality with Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks. Dončić, a rising star in the NBA, may appear to Pogačar as a role model for accumulating championships. Pogačar, at 27 years old, has already secured four Tour de France titles, a Giro d’Italia victory, two Tour of Flanders wins, three Liège–Bastogne–Liège titles, and five Giro di Lombardia victories. This parallels Dončić’s age and ambition within the NBA.
Another Slovenian cyclist, Primož Roglič, is a four-time Vuelta a España winner, tying him with Roberto Heras for the most victories in that race. However, unlike the clear mutual respect between Thompson and Valverde, there isn’t currently a publicly known connection between Roglič and an NBA star.
Thompson’s current team, the Dallas Mavericks, faced off against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors on January 23, 2026, with the Mavericks winning 123-115. Following the game, Thompson shared a touching moment with his former teammates Curry and Draymond Green, demonstrating the enduring bond forged during their championship years with the Warriors. The exchange was captured by reporter Mike Curtis, showing positivity and laughter between the three players.
While the competition on the court is fierce, the respect between these athletes extends beyond the game. The connection between Klay Thompson and Alejandro Valverde serves as a reminder that admiration and respect can bridge the gap between different sporting disciplines, celebrating the dedication and perseverance that define elite athletes worldwide.
Thompson and the Mavericks will continue their season, while Valverde enjoys his well-deserved retirement. Fans can follow Thompson’s progress with the Dallas Mavericks on the NBA website and Valverde’s continued involvement in the cycling world through various sports news outlets.
