Klay Thompson Says Recent Conversation With Steve Kerr Has Led to Mindset Change: ‘Such a Rare Opportunity’

Klay Thompson’s year hasn’t gone as planned, even by his high standards.

With 42% from the field and 37.7% from three, the four-time NBA champion is averaging 16.7 points per game in 32 games. His shooting splits are at their lowest point in his illustrious career, and his points per game average is the lowest it has been since his second season with the Golden State Warriors.

But after a recent pep talk with head coach Steve Kerr, the 33-year-old is emphasizing being present as the Warriors struggle to turn things around.

Thompson said to reporters on Tuesday after Golden State defeated the Orlando Magic 121-115 at home to improve to 16-17 on the season. “Sometimes I forget just how successful [and] how lucky I’ve been, to be a part of championship teams and All-Star games and gold medals,” Thompson said. “You may sort of get in your own way because you want to get to that level so desperately.

Klay Thompson On How A Conversation With Steve Kerr Changed His Mindset

“Rather than forcing it, we had a conversation about just enjoying this last chapter of my career.”

Despite Steph Curry’s impressive average of 27.6 points per game and experienced floor general Chris Paul’s consistent play-making, Golden State has struggled since a 5-1 start, going on a two-game skid in December and a six-game losing streak in the middle of November.

The performance of Thompson, who is in his third season after missing two complete years because to knee and achilles problems, has contributed to the Warriors’ overall problems. In the team’s previous four games, the five-time All-Star is shooting only 30% from three-point range and has only crossed the 25-point mark three times.

However, Thompson is prepared to fully embrace his position as a leader both on and off the court and as a mentor for the younger Warriors players after his conversation with Kerr.

He’ll make sure to savor every second of it along the way.

Steve Kerr confirms he never considered benching Klay Thompson for Jordan Poole: “Klay is a starter, that five-man unit is the best in the league”

“That just helped me change my whole mindset, and forget about shooting splits, or points per game, or All-Star games,” Thompson said. “Just to enjoy being in this Warriors uniform, and appreciate what we’ve built, because it’s such a rare opportunity for any professional athlete to be a part of so much success.”