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On Saturday afternoon, the Washington State men’s basketball team will host Pac-12 rival Oregon State. But the game is important for more than just the outcome. Golden State Warriors star shooting guard Klay Thompson will have his jersey retired by his beloved Cougars.
Before the exciting and emotional ceremony, the Warriors took a moment to congratulate the five-time All-Star and three-time champion in a touching video posted to their social media accounts.
The video starts with a long, heartfelt congratulations from fellow Splash Brother Steph Curry, before general manager Bob Myers speaks on behalf of the entire organization. It then heads to teammate Draymond Green, who call Thompson “a special basketball player, but an even more special person.”
Head coach Steve Kerr then has some words, before the video concludes the only way it could: With former Warriors player, current Warriors front office member, cult legend, and one of Klay’s good friends, Zaza Pachulia, who notes that it won’t be the last jersey Thompson has retired.
“A special basketball player but an even more special person.”
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 17, 2020
Coach Kerr, Bob Myers, Zaza Pachulia, Draymond Green and Stephen Curry with a special message for @KlayThompson ahead of his @WSUCougarMBB jersey retirement tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/QCGexd0TGH
It’s a touching and fitting tribute to Thompson, who spent three years in Pullman, and averaged 17.9 points per game.
Congrats to Klay on a well-earned and highly memorable achievement.
Touched down in Pullman.@KlayThompson || #K1ayGame pic.twitter.com/nv4rM4gHdF
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 18, 2020
Gotta stop by @WSUCougarMBB practice @KlayThompson || #K1ayGame pic.twitter.com/XeOnSyqhsh
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 18, 2020