© Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
There’s no one quite like Klay Thompson. While almost always understated, Thompson makes maximum use of his often few words. He’s uniquely funny and genuine in an age of bombast and self-congratulation. So it should come as no surprise that when Thompson took to Reddit to answer the internet’s questions, he was his usual self, and his answers read distinctly in his voice.
Here are some of Klay’s best AMA responses:
On his post-NBA career prospects
“Man, hopefully it’s not for like 10 years, so I haven’t given it too much thought. At times I do think about it. I just want to do something I enjoy, whether it be playing golf, tennis, going to the beach, traveling, raising some kids. I don’t know if I want to get into coaching though, I want to travel man… I want Steve Nash’s job. I want to be a consultant, show up twice a month and kick a soccer ball around and work on some form shooting. Steve’s got it made and he’s been a great addition to our staff and we all love seeing him around. I’ll take Steve’s job when I’m done playing… that’ll be real nice, that’s a nice gig.”
If he has any rituals
“Uh not really, it’s pretty routine. The one thing I always have to do that I don’t truly enjoy until it’s done. I get my pool as cold as possible, and before I do anything in the morning I try and roll out of bed and jump in the pool, just to jump start and wake me up. Get me alive and well to start the day. I started doing that about a year ago and it works so well for me that I still do it. It sucks at first, because being cold isn’t fun, but afterwards you feel great. I can’t do cold showers though, cold water? A plunge? For sure.”
The three NBA players he’d bring with him on a desert island
“Probably Steven Adams up first because he looks like Aquaman and he would be well versed in the ocean. Then probably Steph because it seems like he’s a good critical thinker and solves problems really well. And a third, man that’s a good question… who do I know in the NBA that likes to do outdoor stuff. I’d probably pick, Karl Malone because guy is a great hunter I guess. He’d be the hunter and gatherer of the crew. He has huge elbows, knock some animals out.”
On his mindset against Oklahoma City in Game 6 of the 2016 Western Conference Finals
“Believe it or not, not much is going through my head. React out there based on feel. Try to get open and y’know the less you think and let your instincts go to work you’re at your best. That night I just emptied the clip because there could be no tomorrow. Luckily for me it worked and… the rest is history.”
Does “China Klay” speak Chinese?
“I’ve attempted to learn phrases, it’s very hard. My favorite phrases are “Ni-hao” and “xie-xie” because you can pretty much get around the country with hello and thank you. The arsenal is growing though, each year I try and learn a new phrase. Hopefully by the time I’m done traveling through China I’ll be able to put together very fluent sentences.”
Who would he rather pick his outfits for a year: JaVale McGee, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala, or his Dad?
