Steve Kerr: Why Letting Player Go Was Beat for the Team

This past offseason, four-time champion Klay Thompson left Steve Kerr‘s Golden State Warriors after 13 years with the franchise. Drafted by Golden State with the 11th overall pick in 2011, Thompson became one of the franchise’s greatest players in history. However, for the first time in his NBA career, Thompson will look to build on his legacy with another team. The 34-year-old is now a member of the Dallas Mavericks. Alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Thompson will look to add at least one more championship to his resume. However, he and the Mavericks must get through the regular season first, which will include multiple battles against his former team.

On Tuesday night, Thompson will head back to Golden State for the first time as an opponent. In addition to the highly-anticipated homecoming, this game has high stakes due to it being the first game of this year’s NBA Cup. Furthermore, this will be a huge game for both teams as they are separated by just three games in the standings.

Ahead of the game, Kerr spoke about Thompson’s departure. He revealed that he “understood” Thompson’s decision, even saying he thinks “it was the right decision for him” as well (subscription required).

“At the end of the breakfast, he said, ‘You know, I think it’s time. I think I’m going to go to Dallas,’” Kerr said. “I understood. I completely understood. Sometimes a fresh start can be healthy. I think it was the right decision for him.”

Steve Kerr Says Klay Thompson Joining the Dallas Mavericks Was ‘the Right Decision’

Golden State Will Honor Klay Thompson Ahead of His Return

For Tuesday night’s Warriors-Mavericks game, Thompson is reportedly set to be honored. According to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, the Warriors are celebrating Thompson’s return with a “Salute Captain Klay” ceremony. Given Thompson’s success in Golden State, this is a no-brainer decision.

Over the span of 11 playing seasons with the Warriors, the California native has built up an impressive legacy. In addition to his four titles (including six total NBA Finals appearances), Thompson is a five-time All-Star, a two-time All-NBA selection, and a one-time All-Defensive Team selection. Additionally, he finished top 10 in MVP voting once and played an instrumental role in Golden State’s 2010s dynasty. At his peak, Thompson was one of the NBA’s best two-way players and remains one of the greatest three-point shooters in league history.

The Last Word

Thompson’s return to Golden State will be worth watching. Not just because of the narratives of it, but also because this is a potential playoff preview. Even with Thompson’s departure, the Warriors are rolling right now. Through 10 games, they are 8-2 and rank as a top 5 team on offense and defense. Meanwhile, while Dallas is just 5-5, they have shown how great they can be to start the season. As it stands, they own the No. 11 seed in the West. As the season progresses, they should climb up the leaderboards and sit firmly in the playoff picture. If they can defeat the red-hot Warriors, it could kickstart a solid run for the remainder of the season.