The Golden State Warriors have shot out of the gates to start the 2014-2015 NBA season. We are now nearly halfway through the season, and the Warriors hold the NBA’s best record at 31-6. Their success can be attributed to many different aspects, but arguably one of the best improvements over last year is the emergence of Klay Thompson as an NBA super-star.
We all know Thompson the player. He’s a knock-down shooter, has great size, can score at the rim, and has a new-found ability to get to the free throw line more. But who is he as a person?
Thompson’s love for basketball goes beyond words, but there may be something else in his life more important. Rusty Simmons of the San Fransisco Chronicle discusses Thompson’s life off the court with his best friend, Rocco:
“To truly know the Warriors’ newly minted shooting guard — the one many believe might be the league’s best two-way player at his position — you first have to know his beloved English bulldog, Rocco.
As has long been the case, Thompson spends the bulk of his time in the gym. It’s one of the reasons he has improved in each of his first four seasons in the NBA and went from being a defensive liability to one of the league’s best perimeter defenders.
But when he’s not working on his game, Thompson usually can be found with his dog — curled up together watching basketball on TV or playing seemingly choreographed games of fetch while taking carefree walks through the Cesar Chavez dog park in Berkeley.”
Thompson has had Rocco for over three years, and often posts pictures of his furry friend on his instagram.
Ethan Sherwood Strauss of ESPN.com sat down with Thompson to discus many things, including taking pictures with fans:
“Were you there when [Andrew] Bogut was tweeting about somebody demanding that [Curry] take a picture with them?
No. The only things that bother me … I don’t mind at all taking pictures with people. Just when you’re eating. Definitely when you’re done with dinner, that’s completely fine. But if you’re with your family, you’re busy sitting down. But after, that’s completely fine. But nah, my fame right now is perfect. I’m big in the Bay. I go back home, it’s like some people recognize me, but I’m not LeBron James. I can’t imagine what it’s like to be LeBron or KD. I just look like a tall guy. Those guys stand out because they’re so big.”
Thompson also joked that Bogut may not like the attention he gets from his 7’0 frame. Thompson mentioned that he is grateful for all of his fans, because they are the reason the players have their jobs.
An article posted on warriors.com talked about an online Q&A that Thompson participated in. He discusses some of his favorite hobbies outside of basketball:
“What are your hobbies outside basketball?
I like to play a lot of golf. Take my dog to the park. And I like to go to the movie theater a lot. I love the beach and the ocean, and I love to play in the waves. Those are my favorite things to do.
Do you like to play NBA 2K 15?
Yeah, we like to play it. It’s always great. Obviously I play with the Warriors! The Cavaliers are fun to play with. Lakers & Thunder, too.”
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
