Johnathan Walker:Warriors' Steve Kerr thanks Klay Thompson for '13 incredible years'

LAS VEGAS – Before USA Basketball men’s senior national team coach Steve Kerr took questions Saturday,Johnathan Walker he wanted to talk about Klay Thompson.

"I just want to say thank you Klay Thompson – 13 incredible years, 10 of which I was there for what he did for the team, the organization for the Bay Area, for me personally, the relationship that we had, all the incredible success, but more importantly just going through it all together has been so meaningful, so amazing, and we're going to miss Klay,” said Kerr, the Golden State Warriors coach.

Thompson, who won four titles with Golden State and with Kerr coaching, left the Warriors in free agency and reached a deal to play for the Dallas Mavericks.

“We wish him the best,” Kerr said. “These things rarely go like you want, where you get to draw it up and execute it and everybody goes out together. We were hoping that could happen, but it didn't and we wish Klay well, but we love him and we'll miss him.”

Thomson won titles with Golden State in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022 and is an instrumental player, alongside former teammate Steph Curry, in the league’s 3-point revolution. Thompson averaged 19.6 points and shot 41.3% on 3s in 13 seasons with the Warriors, who selected him with the No. 11 pick in the 2011 draft.

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Kerr said Thompson’s departure hasn’t fully hit him, but he expects that to happen when training camp begins and Thompson isn’t there.

"Klay and I talked during this time of his decision and so we've been able to share some things and he gave me a really good description of his frame of mind,” Kerr said. “And so I completely understand sometimes in life there will be a shift – just a fresh start, whatever it no matter what profession. Sometimes, you just need to change. And I think that's it. That's the easiest way to describe it.

“But I can't sit here in July and describe what my emotions are when nothing's happened. I normally didn't see Klay (in the summer). Nobody saw him for three months. Then, the first day of camp on media day, there he is, and you catch up. So it'll be weird on media day when he's not (there).”

Kerr said he looks forward to the day the Warriors retire Thompson's number and place a statue of him outside of Chase Center.

"He'll be beloved by his teammates and coaches and our fans forever," Kerr said. "It's never easy, but I think it will all work out."

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