Klay Thompson On Coming Off Bench: I Thought About Manu Ginobili

[RealGM Wiretap]

Klay Thompson hadn't come off the bench for the Golden State Warriors since his rookie season. Rookie Brandin Podziemski replaced Thompson in the opening lineup in Golden State's victory at the Utah Jazz on Thursday. Thompson didn't chafe at the idea, as Warriors coach Steve Kerr looks for a way to spark his team.

"I thought about Manu Ginobili," Thompson said. "That guy has four rings and a gold medal, and he came off the bench his whole career. And I don't think anyone looks down on his Hall of Fame candidacy because he’s one of the greats.

"I embraced it before tip."

Thompson admitted it was a mental adjustment for him, but that it also gave him a chance to approach the game a little differently.

"Coming off the bench gave me fresh legs, especially on a back-to-back, that was nice to come in with a fresh, clean slate," Thompson said.

Kerr didn't commit to this being a permanent lineup change.

"It doesn't mean it's permanent," Kerr said. "But I like that lineup with BP and the other four. And Klay coming off the bench gives us a lot of firepower. We'll give it a little look and we'll see how it goes from there."

Via Monte Poole/NBC Sports Bay Area

[pushfloater]

Bruh you’re 34 years old and have had a major injury. Accept it and do your best.

[TheCage4]

You are not Manu.

[DoctaJ]

Bruh you’re 34 years old and have had a major injury. Accept it and do your best.

Kind of seems like that's what he's doing, no?

You are not Manu.

Such insight! What would we do without you?

[bdp31770]

More guys on the downside of their careers should do that... you get an automatic production boost because you're going against the other teams reserves more often.

[Pickled Prunes]

More guys on the downside of their careers should do that... you get an automatic production boost because you're going against the other teams reserves more often.

Yeah, there are two potential career arcs, Vince Carter vs. Allen Iverson. VC embraced that bench/mentoring role and played 8 seasons, 644 games and 8,612 minutes more than AI. And his acceptance of that role did nothing but boost VC's reputation around the NBA.

[Melwing]

Bruh you’re 34 years old and have had a major injury. Accept it and do your best.

That's exactly what he is doing. You're a bonehead.

[23artest23]

Klay seems to have the HoF on his mind but to be frank, he doesn't strike me as a future HoFer.

[MegaK]

Yo it time to rebuild bro. Without Klay the dubs are duds bro! They should be happy he even willing to play bro! He the best they ever got bro!

[chilluminati]

whatever it takes for him to cope.

[Melwing]

Klay seems to have the HoF on his mind but to be frank, he doesn't strike me as a future HoFer.

That's hardcore delusional

[Melwing]

whatever it takes for him to cope.

Like clinging onto the Larry Brown pistons days, eh?

[Lalouie]

that's a good attitude

it took a while, as to be expected

[Revived]

whatever it takes for him to cope.

Like clinging onto the Larry Brown pistons days, eh?

When you had to click on his profile to find what team he roots for and make a diss about that, you’ve already lost the rebuttal.

[chilluminati]

whatever it takes for him to cope.

Like clinging onto the Larry Brown pistons days, eh?

Calling me a clinger and you have the Sonics as your team. Do you realize you just contradicted yourself?

[Melwing]

whatever it takes for him to cope.

Like clinging onto the Larry Brown pistons days, eh?

When you had to click on his profile to find what team he roots for and make a diss about that, you’ve already lost the rebuttal.

#1- I was joking, and yes my Sonics flair adds to said joke. It was supposed to be friendly ironic ribbing.

#2- I didn't look at his profile, I looked at the huge Larry Brown Pistons banner in the signature of his forum post. Oh, and his avatar. But you know-- Yeah, real invasive.

So, speaking of losing rebuttals.....

[Melwing]

whatever it takes for him to cope.

Like clinging onto the Larry Brown pistons days, eh?

Calling me a clinger and you have the Sonics as your team. Do you realize you just contradicted yourself?

Of course I do, it was a joke made for that exact purpose. Pardon my Asperger's, sometimes I think obvious humor is obvious.

[chilluminati]

Like clinging onto the Larry Brown pistons days, eh?

Calling me a clinger and you have the Sonics as your team. Do you realize you just contradicted yourself?

Of course I do, it was a joke made for that exact purpose. Pardon my Asperger's, sometimes I think obvious humor is obvious.

Hard to read intent on the internet brother. I hope you have a good day.

[Jax_23]

Klay seems to have the HoF on his mind but to be frank, he doesn't strike me as a future HoFer.

Lol to be frank, if he retired today he's already solidified himself as a 1st ballot HOFer. Gimme a break...

[Jax_23]

whatever it takes for him to cope.

Like Pistons fans