Thompson feels Durant can help Warriors reach last season's heights
It's hard to imagine the Golden State Warriors being any better than they were in 2015-16, setting a league record with 73 victories, including a sensational 24-0 start.
Now with Kevin Durant on the roster, the Warriors are arguably more formidable than they were a year ago, with Splash Brother Klay Thompson feeling the four-time scoring champion's arrival gives Golden State a chance to continue their regular-season dominance.
"I think (going after Durant was) a no-brainer man, just because it’s a once-in-a-generation kind of talent,” Thompson told USA Today Sports' Sam Amick. “It’s history. There have never been two MVPs … under 30 (years old) on the same team, so it was a no-brainer just because he’s such a great talent and he’d be such a pleasure to play with. Where we were at (last season), it’s hard to imagine going to that level (again). But he’s the type of guy who could take us there.”
Thompson, who was in the Hamptons as part of Golden State's recruitment pitch during the early stages of free agency, has the opportunity to establish some early chemistry with his new ally as teammates on the U.S. men's national team.
Related: Durant 'didn't really notice' 1st time playing with Thompson, Green
As part of such an imposing foursome with Durant, back-to-back MVP Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green, it's likely Thompson will be the odd man out on offense, receiving fewer touches and being less of a focal point than he has grown accustomed to. That doesn't seem to faze him in the slightest bit, though.
Related: Klay OK with reduced touches, cites Ginobili's role
"I think I showed how much I’m willing to make a sacrifice by just going to see Kevin and trying to pitch to him how badly we (wanted) him. That right there should speak volumes."