Watch: 4x NBA champion Klay Thompson encourages aspiring basketball stars with "love of the game" wisdom
Klay Thompson shared advice with young hoopers at the Rico Hines Private Runs basketball camp, emphasizing the importance of having the right mindset rooted in a genuine love for the game.
Thompson, who joined the Dallas Mavericks this offseason after 11 years with the Golden State Warriors, urged young players not to let outside voices, especially in the age of social media, steal their joy.
In the clip from Rico Hines' YouTube video uploaded on Sept. 9, Thompson said:
“Man, just don't let anybody take your joy. Y'all play in a crazy era, where everybody got something to say—your parents coaches internet trolls, all that—just ignore all that s**t. And remember why you play this game and stay present"
He stressed the importance of consistency and honing their skills daily and said they should enjoy working on their abilities, especially while they are young and healthy.
“You just work on your craft every day and focus on that, focus on the little things, and you get the most out of your ability, and you get to play basketball for a living. And there's really no better job in the world, because the real world is bulls**t ,” he said.
“So just enjoy this to the fullest, specially being young and healthy, and take pride in your game always.”
Most importantly, Thompson reminded them to play for the love of the game, not for external rewards.
“Remember why you play this game. It's for the love of the game. Not because you want to get all the things that come with it, but for the love of the game. And I promise you'll make the most out of your ability.”
Klay Thompson has newfound perspective on life and basketball after injury
Klay Thompson’s perspective on life and basketball deepened following a tough injury period, having suffered a torn Achilles in November 2020 after an ACL tear the previous season, keeping him out for two full NBA seasons.
Reflecting on his injury struggles, Thompson said in 2022 that his outlook on life and basketball had changed.
“I learned a lot about the balance of life,” he said in 2022 (per NBC Sports Bay Area).
“My appreciation of the stuff we have to do every day to play this game is a lot higher than it used to be,” he added. “The losses you take. The shots you miss. The off nights and slow mornings. All of it. It’s special.”
Despite the setbacks, Klay Thompson made a strong return and was instrumental in helping the Warriors win another championship in 2022.
This upcoming season, Thompson will showcase his 41.3% career 3-point shooting for the Mavericks and complement Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic.