Klay Thompson tells story of being cited with misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession - "They put me in cuffs... for a bag of weed
After two long years of battling ACL and achilles injuries, Klay Thompson made his return to professional basketball earlier this year in January. He averaged 20.4 points per game, shooting 38.5% from the three-point line in 32 games.
Thompson's postseason performances, most notably his 31-point performance in Game 6 against the Memphis Grizzlies, helped the Warriors win the NBA title last season.
Two injuries and 941 days out of the game showed me the resilience I never knew I had. #KPpartner #Klay941 https://t.co/hjILGM1MFJ
Thompson has long professed his gratitude for being back after two injuries that are usually perceived to be career-ending. On Showtime's "All The Smoke," hosts Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson interviewed Klay Thompson, where he spoke about everything: from college basketball to the 2022 finals.
When Jackson asked Thompson about some of his most memorable stories from his time at Washington State ('08-'11), Thompson spoke about the time he got arrested for possession of marijuana:
"You want to hear a funny one? When I got rolled for a dime bag in my driveway, yes. It's so ironic because two years after that, cannabis was legalised in the state of Washington.
"I had to apologise, I got suspended. That's the only time I made the national headlines.
Klay further added:
"It was in my glove compartment. I was very sober driving. I'm not an idiot. I'm not going to be inebriated behind the wheel, jeopardize my future.
"I come home, I got a sack on me, I'm like 'It's going to be a decent night, I might play rock band and chill out.' I see these flashing lights, I'm like 'No way, what's going on?'"
He further expressed his shock at being cuffed for his "transgressions:"
"They were like 'Sir, you have a broken tail light and we smell marijuana, can you get out of the car?' ... They put me in cuffs and I'm like 'For a bag of weed?'"
Klay further added that a one-game suspension he received from the Washington State Cougars for the misdemeanor led to the team losing against UCLA in a game that was crucial to securing a spot in the NCAA tournament.
Does a fully healthy Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson backcourt guarantee a repeat?
With Klay Thompson back completely healthy, the Warriors look significantly deeper and with Poole and Wiggins signing big extensions, a lot of their future is secure.
Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry's backcourt has been the foundation on which the Warriors' championships have been built. The difference in floor-spacing with or without either of the two guards is manifold, and the following argument still stands: no one has beaten the Warriors when they're whole.
With Poole coming off the bench as a genuine three-point shooting threat, who can also take it to the hole just as well if not better, the Warriors are amongst the two favorites to come out of the Western Conference with the Clippers being the other.
However, seeding and load management are two key factors that will determine the fate of the Warriors. The Warriors are an older team, and while Steph, Klay and Green can still play considerable minutes, the second-unit needs to be playoff ready by April.
With Wiseman, Kuminga, Moody and others lacking experience, it would be up to the coaching staff to manage the Big 3's minutes as well as give ample playing time to the bench, which could see the Dubs not finish in the top-four, however unlikely that may sound.