Draymond Green on Klay Thompson: It feels different. It’s not the same anymore

Draymond Green recently shared his thoughts on Klay Thompson’s departure from the Golden State Warriors during the team’s media day. After 13 seasons with the Warriors, Thompson signed with the Dallas Mavericks, leaving a noticeable void in the roster and emotional dynamics of the team.

Green, who won four NBA championships alongside Thompson, reflected on the changes: "Overall, going into the season, I’m excited. It’s a new opportunity, a new challenge. With Klay leaving, things just look different. It feels different. It’s not the same anymore."

He compared Thompson’s exit to a band member leaving, saying that after years of consistency, things inevitably change: "For so long, it’s just been the same thing. I think with it being the same thing, it makes it even tougher to perform at a high level. It’s like the drummer gets mad in the band, and the band breaks up."

Despite the challenges, Green emphasized that the team’s goal remains the same: competing for championships. "We did a great job of not getting bored chasing greatness. We always gave ourselves a chance to compete at the highest level."

Although the team will need to adjust to life without Thompson, Green remains optimistic. He sees the uncertainty as an opportunity for growth: "Turning the page doesn’t mean we’re not still competing for the same thing. It’s just going to look different now. Where there’s the most uncertainty, that’s usually the biggest opportunity for growth."

As the Warriors head into the 2024-25 season, they will face new challenges, but Green believes the team is ready to embrace the changes and continue competing at the highest level.