Steph reveals what he would have said in canceled pregame speech for Klay originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Klay Thompson’s return to Chase Center Tuesday was epic; between Steph Curry’s and the strong outings of his longtime Splash Brother, the Warriors 120-117 victory over the Dallas Mavericks and the energetic crowd, nothing could be better.
However, Curry and Golden State coach Steve Kerr were scheduled to give a pregame speech about Thompson beforehand the pair of Warriors scrapped it.
Speaking to reporters after the win, Curry explained why he didn’t give the pre-planned speech and what he would have said if it had come to pass.
“From my point of view, it was more about the fans acknowledging him, and I don’t think I needed to say anything to encourage that,” Curry said. “It was pretty obvious when we came out here for two-line deposits and after the tribute video, it’s going to speak pretty loud. Obviously it’s not about me, it’s about what he meant to the Bay Area, to our franchise, to all the fans that watched him from 2011 until this past year.
“I think it was really well done from an organizational standpoint. The fans did their thing, and me and Draymond got to be part of the standing ovation he deserved.”
It’s hard to argue with Curry
Sure, a heartfelt speech from Curry wouldn’t ruin any vibes. But the efforts of the Chase Center crowd and the Warriors organization were more than enough.
Additionally, Curry was able to speak with and about Thompson privately on his own time.
“I would have said what I just said pretty much,” Curry reiterated. “Like, it’s about all of you. We all have our moments behind the scenes or between us where we can acknowledge what we all meant to each other. But you give your life to this game, you know, for your whole career, and we’ve been blessed to be able to play in front of one fan base for so long, so no words that I would have said would have done it. justice
“It was for the 19,000 people in the building.”
From his entrance into Chase Center until the end of the game, Thompson received a lot of cool applause. And Curry did his part basketball-wise, giving the crowd and Thompson many reasons to rejoice in respect.
San Francisco — and Oakland — may not be what Thompson, a guard for the Dallas Mavericks, calls home as a basketball player. But as a person and an icon, the Cove will forever be the place where the Splash Brother belongs.
Tuesday brought back all the feels. And Curry knew that nothing in speech could evoke the passion and competitive love that was on the court for Warriors and Thompson fans watching through any capacity.
Curry’s speech never came out, but he rightly knew it wasn’t needed before, during or after Thompson’s return.
