by Yusuf Köse California/habername.com
The Golden State Warriors are stepping into uncharted territory this season, as they prepare to navigate life without Klay Thompson. After spending his entire 12-year career in California, Thompson shocked his longtime teammates by deciding to sign with the Dallas Mavericks in free agency. It was a bittersweet moment for Draymond Green and Stephen Curry, who had shared countless victories, four championships, and iconic moments with Thompson. As the trio, once known as the Splash Brothers, parted ways, the reality of Thompson's absence started to sink in at training camp in Hawaii.
The Warriors made moves to fill the void left by Thompson's departure, acquiring Buddy Hield, a sharpshooter known for his 40% career 3-point average, and versatile players like De'Anthony Melton and Kyle Anderson. Head coach Steve Kerr expressed optimism about incorporating Hield into the offense, noting that the team plans to run similar plays for him as they did for Thompson. While these new additions bring promise, Curry and Green know there is no direct replacement for a five-time All-Star who helped define the Warriors' success.
For Curry, the absence of Thompson has hit particularly hard, as the duo had formed the most iconic shooting backcourt in NBA history. "It’s like losing a part of yourself," Curry said, reminiscing about Thompson’s lighthearted presence and quick wit. While Curry and Green are ready to lead the team into this new chapter, they recognize that replacing Thompson’s impact on both ends of the court will be a collective effort.
As the Warriors gear up for the new season, the expectations remain high, but there is an undeniable sense of change. Curry, Green, and the rest of the team are determined to prove they can continue to contend for a title, even as they face the challenge of forging a new identity without one of the Splash Brothers by their side.