Klay Thompson goes after ESPN for interviewing Ronnie 2K
Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson called out ESPN for interviewing famed personality Ronnie 2K. As the face of the video game series NBA 2K, players aren't shy in approaching Ronnie 2K for their ratings.
Earlier this week, Ronnie 2K graced the TV screens as he appeared as a guest on ESPN's show, NBA Today. He wasn't shy about admitting that athletes have approached him on a number of occasions. Ronnie shed light on some of the bribes that he's received from professional basketball players in the league concerning their 2K ratings.
"We've had some bribing along the way," Ronnie 2K said.
"I've been offered some grail shoes, I've been offered a variety of things."
"You know how you can get your rating better? Play better."
@Ronnie2K isn’t accepting bribes from players for a higher 2K rating 😬😭
https://t.co/m41dh3loxW
In the interview, Ronnie 2K took the opportunity to send a message to players planning on sending him some stuff. He didn't hold back and just told NBA players that in order for their ratings to go up, they'll just have to play better.
For some, it looks like it's fun and games. But for Klay Thompson, he thinks that ESPN committed a mistake in interviewing Ronnie 2K. On Instagram, Thompson refused to sugarcoat his comments. He went straight to express his disapproval of ESPN's decision regarding the interview.
"Y'all really interviewed this clown," Thompson wrote on Instagram.
"I thought NBA on ESPN meant coverage of some of the best athletes in the world."
"Y'all really interviewed this clown?"
Klay Thompson was not a fan of ESPN having Ronnie 2K on to talk NBA 2K23 😬 https://t.co/FvfW8Ojd2l
"Not interviewing a promoter ….Do better ESPN."
There seems to be a hidden agenda regarding Thompson and Ronnie 2K for him to react like this. So far, nothing's been confirmed yet. Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors start their regular season against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 18.
Predicting Klay Thompson's 2022-23 stats
Last season was monumental for Klay Thompson as he returned from two season-ending injuries. His return to the hardwood was highly anticipated and helped the team win another title.
The four-time All-Star only played 32 games last season. This was due to his game restrictions and wasn't allowed to play in back-to-back games. Still, he averaged 20.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists while being limited to 29.4 minutes a game. Thompson was fairly efficient as well, shooting 43% from the field and 38% from the 3-point area.
One aspect of his performance last season that shouldn't be overlooked was his willingness to come off the bench. There were some games where he sat during the first minute of the game and allowed Jordan Poole to be in the starting mix.
For the 2022-23 NBA season, a full-time gig as the team's sixth man might be possible for Thompson. However, he might still average similar minutes as last season. The 4-time champion is looking to be the team's weapon off the bench. With the minutes that he'll get, Thompson will still average around 20 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Thompson may have lost some of his athleticism, but that shouldn't be a problem for the Warriors. He can still knock down 3-pointers at an elite level and that's what they need from him.