Draymond Green Cuts off Reporter, Shuts Down Klay Thompson Chatter Amid NBA Cup Opening Game

Nickeem Khan | 12/11/2024
Draymond Green (L) and Klay Thompson (R)

The Golden State Warriors dynasty lost a core member after a disgruntled Klay Thompson signed with the Dallas Mavericks this summer. The two teams are set to face off on Tuesday for the first time this season in what will also be the opening night of the NBA Cup. Meanwhile, Warriors star Draymond Green decided to shut down all the hype about the match-up being about his former teammate’s return to Chase Center.

During the Warriors’ media availability on Monday, a reporter attempted to ask Green a question referring to the matchup as the “Klay game”. Green immediately intercepted that sentiment even before the reporter could finish his question.

He said, “We have a very important In-Season Tournament game on Tuesday. We bombed it last year and I’m looking forward to having a better turnout in it this year.”

Golden State has already announced that they will be honoring the legendary Warriors player in his return. The organization will hand out a one-of-a-kind captain hat to Klay, commemorating his love for sailing.

This is what makes Green’s comments so puzzling since it seemingly negates the importance of the occasion. Thompson and Green were teammates for 12 seasons—they went to six NBA finals together and won four of them.

In addition, aside from the team’s accomplishments, Thompson is one of the greatest players in the franchise’s history. Therefore, it just seems unnecessary to downplay his return when even franchise leader Stephen Curry has expressed his emotions on the occasion.

This just creates additional drama before the momentous occasion. However, other members of the Dubs team had different responses to the question.

Green isn’t the only Warriors member to speak on Klay

The media has bombarded the Warriors with questions about Klay’s return. Stephen Curry and head coach Steve Kerr have been the prime targets.

Curry revealed that he has no idea what to expect ahead of their matchup against the Mavericks. He stated, “We’ve had homecomings before, but nothing like this.”

Kerr took the opposite approach from Draymond as he said, “I’m looking forward to it. It’ll be very emotional. Can’t wait to see Klay.”

The majority of the Warriors recognize that this won’t be any ordinary game. Draymond will perhaps reveal the true sentiment behind his comments in his actions during Thompson’s return to the Bay.

Post Edited By: Satagni Sikder
Draymond Green Klay Thompson

About the author

Nickeem Khan

Nickeem Khan is a Senior NBA Writer for The SportsRush from Toronto, Canada. He graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University with a Bachelor's Degree in Sport Media. Nickeem has over five years of experience in the sports media industry with hands-on experience as a journalist among other roles, including media accreditation for the CEBL, NBA G-League's Raptors 905, and CBC's coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. When he isn't writing articles, he serves as a member of the Toronto Raptors' Game Presentation Crew.

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