Thompson 'starstruck' by new teammate Durant
The reality that four-time scoring champion Kevin Durant is a member of the Golden State Warriors still hasn't quite sunk in yet for Splash Brother Klay Thompson.
As members of the U.S. Men's Olympic team heading to Rio de Janeiro, Thompson has the opportunity to develop chemistry with his new teammate prior to the start of the 2016-17 season. While getting some early reps in, the 26-year-old sharpshooter still finds himself mesmerized by Durant's presence and the fact he'll be playing in the Bay Area in just a few short months.
"It’s growing still," Thompson said of their relationship to USA Today's Sam Amick. "I mean we’re just getting to know each other. I’m still in awe of the guy. I’m still kind of starstruck when I’m around him, like ‘Man, that’s Kevin Durant, you know? He’s on our team. That’s crazy.’
"You get to know him more. He’s such a grounded individual. He’s such a normal guy. He just loves basketball. He’s actually a well-rounded person. He likes to talk about everything, whether it’s movies, photography, travel. He’s easy to talk to, and it’s great to have a teammate like that."
Related: Thompson feels Durant can help Warriors reach last season's heights
The Warriors won a league-record 73 games last season, and that was without a talent the caliber of Durant in tow. Pairing him with Thompson, back-to-back MVP Stephen Curry, and Defensive Player of the Year runner-up Draymond Green makes an already formidable core all the more dangerous in the hunt for the NBA championship.
In the meantime, Thompson will continue being enthralled by the "Durantula" as they look to bring Olympic gold back to American soil.