Warriors to Honor 'Captain Klay's' Bay Area Return with Special Tribute
When Klay Thompson makes his highly anticipated return to Chase Center on Tuesday night, he’ll be met by a sea of captain’s hats – a fitting homage to one of the Warriors’ most beloved players.
The Warriors announced plans to distribute commemorative captain’s hats to all fans in attendance, celebrating Thompson’s well-known love for boating across the San Francisco Bay during his 13-year tenure with Golden State. The “Salute to Captain Klay” promises to be an emotional moment for both Thompson and Warriors fans who watched him transform from a promising rookie to one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.
Oct 17, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) shoots during the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Thompson’s move to the Dallas Mavericks this offseason marked the end of an era in Golden State, where he helped lead the Warriors to four NBA championships and earned five All-Star selections. His impact on the franchise extends beyond his prolific shooting; Thompson became a fan favorite for his unique personality and memorable moments both on and off the court.
The timing of Thompson’s return adds intrigue, as Tuesday’s matchup will serve as both teams’ first game in NBA Cup play. The contest carries added weight in West Group C, which also includes the defending champion Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, and New Orleans Pelicans.
Thompson’s transition to Dallas has shown early promise, with the sharpshooter averaging 14.5 points per game and hitting 39.1 percent of his shots from beyond the arc. While teammate Luka Doncic has acknowledged some challenges in incorporating Thompson into the offense, the Mavericks remain optimistic about maximizing his potential.
But on Tuesday night, the game itself will take a backseat as the Bay Area welcomes back one of its favorite sons. As Thompson returns to Chase Center – now as a visitor – he’ll find thousands of captain’s hats bobbing in tribute to the memories he created during his unforgettable Warriors journey.
