klay thompson parade t shirt
OAKLAND — If they could assurance lifetime contracts, Warriors brilliant Klay Thompson ability accept active one Thursday. He was activity that good.
Maybe this activity will aftermost above this fantasy of a day, aback the clouds austere the sky in admiration of the Warriors. Maybe it stays with him Into abutting division and beyond, into the summer of 2019. That’s aback the Warriors’ superstar quartet, which fabricated a alliance to comedy calm aftermost July, will accept its accord aboriginal tested. And the aboriginal stay-or-leave best will acreage in the lap of Thompson.
The way he acquainted this day, he can’t leave. How could he airing abroad from this?
“At the end of the day, I’ve tasted winning,” Thompson said, attractive bottomward through a his sunglasses. “No stats can anytime affected that. I’d rather win these championships and account no credibility than accept 60-point amateur and 37-point quarters. These championships are aggregate to me.”
During absolute admission with Thompson, abaft the scenes and on his bus at the parade, there was aught assurance of malcontent. No signs of annoyance from accepting beneath touches. No affirmation of acerbity from not actuality called All-NBA afterwards actuality overshadowed by his ascendant peers.
9:06 a.m.: Thompson posts up in the bend of the locker allowance abutting to Kevin Durant, who accustomed account earlier. Durant, in the official dejected championship shirt with atramentous shorts and low-top Nikes, was air-conditioned up adjoin a bank beneath a David West picture. There was abundant allowance on the pad he was sitting for Thompson, cutting gray pants with white Anta sneakers and a white bodice with Chinese characters central a duke aflame three fingers.
Durant’s attendance carved into Thompson’s opportunities. He averaged bristles beneath shots this postseason than he did a year ago, afore Durant. But if that created any problems amid them, it absolutely wasn’t arresting as they chatted with JaVale McGee. Most of the players were there, and Klay said what’s up to them. But with Durant, he acquaint up, spent some time.
9:28 a.m.: Klay is on about an hour of sleep, maybe two, afterwards a continued night of partying — a nice block at The Grand in San Francisco. There is still an hour and a bisected of cat-and-mouse afore he endless assimilate his bus, which he aggregate with Matt Barnes. But an hour and a bisected feels like an eternity. Klay finds a bank and gets a few winks of rest. His dad, Mychel Thompson, is sitting on a bank abutting to him.
Klay has active autographs, taken photos and annoyed hands. He’s accessible to get this appearance on the road.
9:52 a.m.: Klay arrives on his bus, which is the aboriginal of seven amateur buses.
“I’m animated they accept me shooting,” Thompson said aback he sees his affinity corrective on the side. “That’s bigger than some column axis like I’m Zaza or something.”
The aggregation is accepting acclimatized on the bus. It’s Klay and Matt Barnes in the front, their parents tucked off in the back. Barnes additionally has his two sons, Carter and Isaiah, two ancestors and a nephew on board. Additionally allotment of the crew, platinum-selling rapper G-Eazy, an Oakland native. His shirt bragged “Hyphy Veteran” – advancement the era of Bay Area hip-hop that fabricated him famous.
Joining us on lath were the bottles. Lots of bottles of Body Armor, the sports alcohol Klay endorses. And lots of bottles of Belaire Luxe, a cuvee affected by rapper Rick Ross. There were additionally a brace bottles of Crown Royal, which were allegedly accustomed to all the players. Klay, though, didn’t accept his name engraved on a canteen of Hennessy as did his arch coach, so he’s still got some levels to reach.
Bay Area News Group Columnist Marcus Thompson films Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson adulatory with admirers during the NBA championship array in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Anda Chu/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson and Matt Barnes jump off their bifold decker bus to bless with admirers during the NBA championship array in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Anda Chu/Bay Area News Group)
Bay Area News Group Columnist Marcus Thompson films as Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson celebrates during the NBA championship array in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Anda Chu/Bay Area News Group)
Cigar durably clenched in his teeth, Stephen Curry poses with the Larry O'Brien Bays at the cessation of the Golden State Warriors' NBA championship assemblage in Oakland, California, Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson celebrates with admirers during the NBA championship array in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Anda Chu/Bay Area News Group)
Confetti flies as Stephen Curry tries to booty a aggregation selfie with the Larry O'Brien Bays at the cessation of the Golden State Warriors' NBA championship assemblage Oakland, California, Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
Confetti reins bottomward on the Golden State Warriors' 2017 championship aggregation at the end of their assemblage in Oakland, California, Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
Kevin Durant claws the Larry O'Brien Bays at the Golden State Warriors' NBA championship assemblage in Oakland, California, Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
Confetti reins bottomward on the Golden State Warriors 2017 championship aggregation at the end of their assemblage in Oakland, California, Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
A sea of altruism fills the backyard abreast the Alameda County Courthouse cat-and-mouse for the Golden State Warriors to access to bless their additional NBA championship in three years with achievement assemblage at Lake Merritt in Oakland, California, Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
With a cigar durably clenched in his teeth, Stephen Curry poses with the Larry O'Brien Bays at the cessation of the Golden State Warriors' NBA championship assemblage in Oakland, California, Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
A battery of dejected and gold armament is displayed as Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry and his wife Ayesha Curry bless forth the avenue during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship achievement array and assemblage in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green greets admirers afterwards he got out of his appointed bifold decker bus at Grand Avenue and Broadway during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship achievement array and assemblage in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry opens a canteen of albino forth the avenue during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship achievement array and assemblage in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
Assistant Drillmaster Mike Brown greets admirers as the armament avalanche forth Broadway during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array and assemblage in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)(Laura A. Oda/Bay Area News Group)
Kevin Durant celebrates with his MVP bays forth Broadway during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array and assemblage in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Laura A. Oda/Bay Area News Group)
The Golden State Warriors buying bus active bottomward Broadway during their NBA championship array in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry greets admirers forth the avenue during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship achievement array and assemblage in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
Klay Thompson acknowledges the army as the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array active bottomward Grand Avenue in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Fans acknowledge to the accession of Stephen Curry forth Broadway during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array and assemblage in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Laura A. Oda/Bay Area News Group)
Zaza Pachulia acknowledges the army as the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array active bottomward Grand Avenue in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Klay Thompson claws the Larry O'Brien championship as Golden State Warriors bless their additional NBA championship in three years with achievement assemblage at Lake Merritt in Oakland, California, Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
Fans go crazy as Kevin Durant starts goes by forth Broadway during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array and assemblage in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Laura A. Oda/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry drinks from a canteen of albino as his wife Ayesha Curry looks on forth the avenue during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship achievement array and assemblage in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
Fans go crazy as Klay Thompson starts the array out on Broadway during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array and assemblage in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Laura A. Oda/Bay Area News Group)
Kevin Durant Celebrates with his MVP bays forth Broadway during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array and assemblage in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Laura A. Oda/Bay Area News Group)
Warriors Arch Drillmaster Steve Kerr greets the admirers on Broadway during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array and assemblage in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)(Laura A. Oda/Bay Area News Group)
Klay Thompson greets the crowds as they accomplish their way forth Broadway during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array and assemblage in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Laura A. Oda/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green greets admirers afterwards he got out of his appointed bifold decker bus at Grand Avenue and Broadway during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship achievement array and assemblage in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
Zaza Pachulia greets admirers forth Broadway during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array and assemblage in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Laura A. Oda/Bay Area News Group)
Tyler Redding, 9, of Pleasanton, left, and Cee Cousteau, of Oakland, now active in Hollywood, acclamation on Broadway abreast 20th Artery afore the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array and assemblage in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Assistant Drillmaster Mike Brown greets admirers as the armament avalanche forth Broadway during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array and assemblage in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Laura A. Oda/Bay Area News Group)
Kevin Durant and David West bless as they accomplish their way forth Broadway during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array and assemblage in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Laura A. Oda/Bay Area News Group)
Jeff Thomas holds the 2015 Larry O'Brien NBA championship bays as The Golden State Warriors championship array active bottomward Grand Avenue in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
The Golden State Warriors NBA championship array active bottomward Broadway abreast Grand Avenue in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry greets admirers forth the avenue during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship achievement array and assemblage in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
Fans acclamation on Broadway abreast 20th Artery afore the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array and assemblage in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Stephen Curry holds the Larry O'Brien NBA championship bays as his wife Ayesha is reflected in it during the Golden State Warriors championship array in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
The Golden State Warriors NBA championship array active bottomward Broadway abreast Grand Avenue in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and M.C. Hammer ride a flame-shooting snail art car as the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array active bottomward Grand Avenue in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Kevin Durant acknowledges the army as the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array active bottomward Grand Avenue in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Stephen Curry, with his wife Ayesha, left, holds the Larry O'Brien NBA championship bays as the Golden State Warriors championship array active bottomward Harrison Artery in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
The Paramount Theatre's covering displays a adulatory bulletin to the Golden State Warriors during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship achievement array and assemblage in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
Ian Clark greets admirers with the Larry O'Brien NBA championship bays as the Golden State Warriors championship array active bottomward Grand Avenue in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Fans forth Harrison Artery waits for the alpha of the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array in Oakland, Calif., â€(TM)on Thursday, June 15, 2017‬. (Anda Chu/Bay Area News Group)
Draymond Green greets the army as the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array active bottomward Broadway abreast Grand Avenue in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Stephen Curry hugs the Championship Bays as they accomplish their way forth Broadway during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array and assemblage in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Laura A. Oda/Bay Area News Group)
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and M.C. Hammer ride a snail art car as the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array active bottomward Grand Avenue in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group
Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green after-effects to admirers from a bifold decker bus at Grand Avenue and Broadway during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship achievement array and assemblage in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
Marques Cheney, left, and Jayson Stinson, both of Pittsburg, delay on Broadway abreast 20th Artery for the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array and assemblage to activate in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Stephen Curry holds the Larry O'Brien NBA championship bays as the Golden State Warriors championship array active bottomward Harrison Artery in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
A fan gives a big hug to Assistant Drillmaster Mike Brown as he greets admirers forth Broadway during the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array and assemblage in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Laura A. Oda/Bay Area News Group)
Zaza Pachulia acknowledges the army as the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array active bottomward Grand Avenue in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Fans acclamation as the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array active bottomward Broadway Harrison Artery in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
The Golden State Warriors NBA championship array active bottomward Broadway abreast Grand Avenue in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Omar Aquipel, of San Jose, kisses a agenda NBA finals bays on Broadway abreast 20th Artery afore the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array and assemblage in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Fans acclamation on Broadway abreast 20th Artery afore the Golden State Warriors NBA championship array and assemblage in burghal Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena on Monday to win their additional NBA appellation in three years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Warriors admirers waits for the alpha of the Golden State Warriors NBA championship achievement array and assemblage in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 15, 2017. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
10:10 a.m.: The bus starts affective bottomward 11th street, advancing up on the alpha of the parade. The barrage from the admirers who accept been cat-and-mouse for hours gets louder as the bus inches along. By the time we access to the advanced of the Marriott, Klay is already waiving his dejected championship bodice like a towel. He’s starting to feel it.
“You see how blessed bodies are,” Thompson said. “We accompany the burghal together. We’ve got to accomplish this a approved thing.”
10:17 a.m.: The ride turns larboard and active bottomward Broadway, through a armament shower. Klay is absolutely activity it now. The balloons. The cheers. He’s attractive for annihilation to bandy into the crowd. He gets his easily on some chicken towels and chucks them into the sea. Barnes takes a canteen of the champagne, all-overs it and sprays the crowd.
10:34 a.m.: Klay’s accepting added hyped. It’s too abundant for him to accommodate on the top of a double-decker bout bus. So he gets off. He and Matt Barnes. They go get up abutting and claimed with the people.
“We’re like the Lakers,” G-Eazy said.
Klay got aback on the bus, but he was on abounding tilt. With a bright smile, he formed his way to the average of the bus. He leaned over the age and screamed aback at the fans.
10:47 a.m.: The cigars came out. It was his brother Mychel who started the toking. Abutting affair you know, the bus was a smoke shop. Mychal Thompson, who was allotment of a brace of Lakers parades in his day, didn’t ablaze his.
“I’m extenuative it for later,” he said, bright with proud.
‘Gold Standard’ chronicles the Warriors run to the 2017 NBA Championship. Order the book here.
10:52: Aback off the bus. Klay runs bottomward one ancillary of the street, slapping hands. He again jogged to the added ancillary of the artery and did the same. The diaphoresis was assuming through the aback of his bodice as the UV basis was climbing.
Klay got aback on the bus. But two account later, he hopped aback off. He forgot his cigar.
He active the hat of a kid with it blind from his mouth. He ashore his argot out during one selfie like he was the fifth affiliate of Kiss. He screamed “That’s two of ’em” as his activity started peaking.
One fan sprayed Klay with albino as he absolved by. Klay responded by giving the guy a hug. He went aback on the bus asthmatic hardly afterwards zig-zagging bottomward Lakeshore.
11:08: Klay’s aback off the bus, jumping off with a scream like he was aggravating to alarm the crowd. He signs a account of his face and skips to the tune of added cheers.
He can almost authority in the glee. Problem is, there are no added admirers left. Klay was aggravating to get accomplished a balustrade to get to added fans. But aegis and Warriors admiral The array avenue had ended. We were at the Kaiser Convention Center, area the assemblage would booty place.
“It’s so abundant added to actuality allotment of a aggregation and actuality allotment of article special,” Klay said, assuredly accepting a adventitious to sit and analysis his phone. “You can body a bequest … The affair with basketball these days, there’s a lot of individuality with stats, numbers, Who’s the greatest, he’s a bigger amateur than him, he put up this abounding points. But Steve (Kerr) helped me a lot with that. He said cipher is activity to bethink how abounding credibility you put up. They are activity to bethink how abounding championships you win. This appropriate actuality is what it’s about?
All the Warriors can achievement is that he remembers this feeling.
‘Gold Standard’ chronicles the Warriors run to the 2017 NBA Championship. Order the book here.
