It has been more than two years since Klay Thompson left the Golden State Warriors after 13 seasons and four championships alongside Draymond Green and Stephen Curry.
Thompson’s market value has gradually decreased each year, as his averages and percentages are significantly different from his pre-injury state.
Green explained that expectations of the sharpshooter should be kept in check, as he was no longer the 2017 version.
“I don’t like how everybody is trying to act like ‘oh it’s Klay Thompson! Klay to the Heat!’ Like this is Klay from 2018. The reason I don’t like it is because I feel like everybody is trying to set Klay up for failure. I’m going to say it right here right now. Let’s stop acting like it’s 2017 Klay going to Miami,” Green said.
The former teammate also drew a comparison to Ray Allen, who joined the Heat in 2012 with many accolades, but not in its peak.
“I wish sports media would speak on it more like when Ray Allen went to Miami. Don’t try to set my brother up like you getting the 2018 version so when you don’t, you can bash him. That’s bullsh*t. He’s going into year 16. Yes he’s going to provide shooting…. Let’s look at him like Ray going to Miami, back when sports media was a good thing,” he added.
Nonetheless, Green expressed love for his former teammate for finding a new home and potentially having a chance to pursue another title run.
“I love the move. I love this for Klay. I know Klay is happy he’s in Miami. He’s around water. I know this move makes him a happy man… I think this is a very great move for Klay. He was late to the press conference because he was stuck in traffic, that is Klay Thompson.
The four-time champion averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 39.3% from the field last season with the Mavericks.
