Klay Thompson already speaks as a Miami Heat player. Presented as befits a four-time NBA champion, the veteran shooting guard has a clear sense of where he’s headed. His father, Mychal Thompson, was a star for the team that won the state high school championship at Miami Jackson High in 1974, while his brother, Mychel Thompson, attended the same school as his new coach, Erik Spoelstra. These are some facts that stack together with the fact that he lives near the Bahamas, where he has many relatives. Everything seems to fit…
“It was an easy decision for me. I know this is a demanding environment, very competitive, and that hard work is expected. That’s what drew me to be here now,” he says.
Klay is clear that he faces a major opportunity to win again. The team has landed Giannis Antetokounmpo and also features Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins, whom he overlapped with at the Golden State Warriors. He turned down $10 million in pursuit of a new championship dream, ultimately signing with the Florida squad.
“I’ve tasted what it’s like to win before, and there’s nothing like it. The chance to win again at such a high level was very appealing. The potential of this roster is limitless and, as far as my role goes, it’s a kind of redemption season in which I can prove I can still make a difference and do so consistently. I’m eager to start working. It’s quite surreal to be here, but it’s a great honor,” he concludes.
Acompañando a Thompson en su presentación estaba Erik Spoelstra, quien tiene claro que los Miami Heat serán uno de los grandes atractivos del curso y que con Klay han sumado a uno de los mejores jugadores de los últimos tiempos.
“Este año habrá mucha atención puesta en nuestro equipo y eso es lo que queríamos. Thompson es uno de los mejores de la historia. Estamos muy entusiasmados con este movimiento. Siempre le hemos tenido un gran respeto. Es un campeón con un palmarés impresionante. Sabe ganar. Sabe ayudar a los demás. Tiene una gran inteligencia para jugar a esto y, en defensa, se enorgullece de ser un jugador completo, capaz de destacar tanto en ataque como en defensa,” sentencia.
