Klay Thompson and Giannis Antetokounmpo find themselves in a similar situation as they navigate their first season with the Miami Heat. Having each other to lean on through the adjustment could make the transition a little easier.
Thompson and Antetokounmpo have known each other for years, but this is the first time that they have been given a chance to become friends. In a report from The Athletic's Eric Nehm, Thompson revealed a memorable encounter he had with Antetokounmpo in 2022.
At that time, the four-time champion was with the Golden State Warriors and the two-time MVP was with the Milwaukee Bucks. But being on opposing sides did not stop Antetokounmpo from making a classy move.
“The year I came back from two-and-a-half years off injury, we played the Bucks. I had a great game. I had 38 (points). This is a testament to his (Antetokounmpo) humility. (That game) made me feel like I could be a great player again. After the game, he walked from the opposing bench all the way down to our bench just to tell me how happy he was for me,” recalled Thompson.
Nehm noted that the 36-year-old Thompson's eyes “began to well up” as he recounted the heartwarming story, which made him see the 31-year-old Antetokounmpo in a “different light.”
“I don't want to get emotional, but that meant a lot to me,” added the sweet-shooting guard.
Article Continues Below“This guy is genuinely a great human being, and that really meant a lot to me when he gave me props for coming back from what I did.”
Thompson said he is looking forward to playing with Antetokounmpo. They had a bonding moment, along with their other teammates, when the five-time All-Star hosted the Heat on his boat last month.
Thompson and Antetokounmpo will likely start for Miami, along with Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, and Davion Mitchell.