Warriors release statement about Klay, mocking retirement of No. 11 jersey Originally appeared in NBC Bay Area Sports
After Losing a franchise icon On Monday, the Warriors released a statement regarding Klay Thompson and revealed how they plan to honor his legacy in the Bay Area moving forward.
Golden State plans to retire Thompson’s No. 11 jersey at Chase Center, as noted in the statement released Monday night, though no other details or additional information were immediately available.
“We cannot overstate Klay Thompson’s incredible and legendary contributions to the Warriors during his 13 years with the team, highlighted by four (4) NBA Championships, six (6) trips to the NBA Finals, five (5) NBA All-Star Game appearances, and several NBA records including the most points scored in a quarter in NBA history (37) and the most 3-point field goals made in a game (14),” the statement read. “The amount of joy and happiness Klay provided to Warriors fans, Bay Area natives, and Dub Nation followers around the world has been immense and cannot be understated.
“His penchant for performing in pressure situations on the biggest stage, including many Game 6 heroics, has helped define a career. Klay’s legacy will live on forever, and we look forward to the day we can retire his No. 11 jersey at Chase Center, where he will join a host of Warriors immortals, including those who helped shape this recent dynasty, including himself.
“We thank Klay for his contributions and wish him the best as he writes another chapter in his journey.”
From Thompson Historic run with the Warriors ended on Monday when he joined the reigning Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million free agent contract.
According to several reports, the Warriors He offered Thompson a two-year contract both before the start of the 2023-24 campaign and again during the offseason before hitting the open market on Sunday.
But Thompson, who He reportedly felt frustrated with the organization that drafted him in 2011, he was eager for a fresh start after disappointing individual and team performances in 2023-24.
However, that doesn’t take away from what he’s done and meant to Golden State, helping turn the franchise around alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green. And it seems the Warriors plan to honor him in a special way in the future.
Thompson might wear a different jersey in the coming seasons to cap off his NBA career, but No. 11 will always be a member of Dub Nation.