Even though he wasn't a free agent, Klay Thompson quickly emerged as the Miami Heat's priority after acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo. It didn't make much sense initially, but Thopkson may already be proving why the Heat desperately wanted him.
After officially signing with the Heat, Thompson paid much respect to Heat culture and the organization during an interview with Jonathan Zaslow. He also revealed how happy he is to be back with an organization that values winning above everything.
If nothing else, it just shows how great a fit Thompson is going to be in Miami, and why the Heat truly wanted to snag him.
“I’ve had nothing but respect for the Heat. Heat Culture isn’t just a phrase, they live it. There’s a reason their guys overachieved a lot of times or embraced the pressure that comes with championship expectations.
I want to be in a environment that’s super competitive and guys might get uncomfortable at times. I love that...Gives me a new motivation to add a chapter to my legacy. I’m really excited. It’s good to be in an organization that has championship expectations again. "
Klay Thompson is going to fit right in with the Heat's cutlure
If it wasn't clear before, it does sound awfully like Thompson is going to fit right in with Miami. Considering how similar the cultures are in Golden State and Miami, that shouldn't come as a big surprise.
However, it's always great to hear it. Especially considering that many already believe that Thompson's best days are behind him, the fact that he appears to have some added motivation is a good sign.
The Heat don't need Thompson to be the All-Star version of himself, but they just need him to do what he does best: hit from deep.
Even if Thompson is only a 3-point specialist at this point in his career, he's going to be an excellent addition for Miami. But we, and the Heat, know he's going to be much more than that - both on and off the floor.
Based on his history (and these recent comments), Thompson is likely going to emerge as a leader for the Heat in the locker room and on the hardwood. He may not be an elite player on the floor anymore, but he can certainly be that in the locker room.
And that's part of the lure from the Heat.
Even after the move for Giannis, the Heat knew they still needed to add another veteran player with true championship pedigree. I'm not sure there was any better (and realistic) option than Thompson.
Thompson hasn't even played a minute yet for the Heat, and he's already proving to be an excellent addition to the team.
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