Klay Thompson, the renowned shooting guard formerly of the Golden State Warriors and now with the Dallas Mavericks, has bid farewell to his long-time team. Alongside this move, Thompson has chosen a new jersey number—31—a decision that holds deep significance for him and his basketball lineage.
A Tribute to a Legend
Thompson’s father, Mychal Thompson, revealed in a recent interview that Klay’s adoption of the number 31 is a homage to NBA legend Reggie Miller. Known as “The Mouth” during his illustrious career with the Indiana Pacers, Miller not only never switched teams after joining the Pacers but also donned the number 31 jersey throughout his tenure, leaving an indelible mark on the league.
Departure from Number 11
Throughout his tenure with the Warriors, Klay Thompson sported the number 11 jersey. However, his transition to the Mavericks this summer marks the first time in his NBA career that he has changed his jersey number.
Impact of the KD Era
Reflecting on his son’s time with the Warriors, Mychal Thompson expressed regret over the brevity of the “KD Era.” This era, characterized by the formidable lineup featuring Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green, lasted only three seasons before disbanding. Mychal Thompson believes this lineup had the potential to secure more championships if given a longer duration to develop and compete.
Table: The KD Era Core
| Player | Position | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin Durant | Small Forward | 2x NBA Champion, Finals MVP (2017, 2018) |
| Klay Thompson | Shooting Guard | 3x NBA Champion |
| Stephen Curry | Point Guard | 3x NBA Champion, 2x MVP (2015, 2016) |
| Draymond Green | Power Forward | 3x NBA Champion, DPOY (2017) |
Conclusion
As Klay Thompson embarks on his new chapter with the Mavericks, the legacy of his jersey number change symbolizes a deep respect for the NBA’s history and its iconic figures. While reminiscing on his time with the Warriors, Mychal Thompson remains optimistic about what could have been with the potent combination of talent during the KD Era.
This structured article aims to highlight Klay Thompson’s transition to the Mavericks, the significance of his jersey number change, and the reflections on his career with the Warriors.(FADA888)