While Klay Thompson is not with the Golden State Warriors anymore, he still can look back and cherish the memories he made in the Bay Area. However, if the veteran sharpshooter got a chance to change how things ended between him and the franchise, he’d take that opportunity in a heartbeat! Thompson spent 13 seasons with the Warriors and won four championships with them. However, during his final season last year, he posted his lowest numbers since his sophomore year. Moreover, he went 0-10 in the infamous play-in game against the Kings.
That disastrous night might just have been the final straw. Seemingly, the Dubs were reluctant to give Thompson another contract and the rift kept increasing. While Thompson’s performances might have been a major factor, the media’s extreme criticism didn’t help his cause either. Throughout his career, Klay Thompson has been in the media spotlight, and let’s just say, the media isn’t the biggest of Klay fans. So much so that the media even cost him a whopping $30 million and an All-Star appearance during the 2018-19 season. Yes! During the 2018-19 season, fresh from winning back-to-back titles, Thompson was having a great season. The then-Warriors star got snubbed for another All-Star appearance.
This happened solely because the media didn’t vote for Thompson and instead chose Kemba Walker, despite him shooting a crazy 40% from the deep. During a recent episode of ‘Gill’s Arena‘, journalist Stephen A. Smith expressed what he’d do if he were in Thompson’s shoes and issued an apology to the sharpshooter. “If I was Klay Thompson you know what I would do? For any media member that wanted to talk to me, I’d ask that year who did you voted for. That’s what I would do. I say, who I want to know who cost me that damn money that would be me because that s**t was unforgivable.” Smith stated agonizingly.
Apr 16, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) and guard Gary Payton II (0) walk towards the locker room after the Warriors lost to the Sacramento Kings during a play-in game of the 2024 NBA playoffs at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports.
Smith is so made because after missing out on the All-Star game, Thompson was no longer eligible for a super-max contract worth a massive $210 million for five years with the Warriors. Instead, he had inked a max extension worth $190, incurring a $30 million loss. Well, it’s not a small amount by any means, but Klay Thompson truly deserved the super-max contract and that All-Star appearance as well. Later on, Klay stated it wasn’t so much about the money, but the fact that he wanted to be among the best in the league and be acknowledged. That’s why Stephen A. Smith issued the apology and further targeted the biased media.
“They should be fired.”: Stephen A. Smith on biased journalists
Well, talking about the unfortunate incident that happened with Klay Thompson. A question was raised on the show about how neutral the media truly is. We all know how a few journalists have their favorites and also players they dislike. So, does this play a part in voting? Stephen A. Smith believes, “I’m not going to shred my credibility by letting my personal feelings about you interfere with my judgment about what everyone sees you do. And there’s no excuse for it as far as I’m concerned.” Well, he says that he wouldn’t let his personal feelings or grudges get the better of him.
Oct 23, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Stephen A. Smith (Stephen Smith) on the ESPN NBA Countdown live set at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
However, it happens more often than not. So, Smith further suggested an extreme measure. “A journalist that does that shouldn’t be allowed to vote! As a matter of fact, I’d make the argument they should be fired.” Smith opined. That’s fair given that the media holds the power to cost a player millions of dollars! There should be some accountability on their part as well. However, there’s a very thin line between this media player dynamic, and according to Smith that line should be crossed. But, that doesn’t solve the fact that reporters can vote in secrecy and not worry about being called out.
So, what’s the solution? It’s simple more transparency in the process will solve everything. The voting should be open, meaning, which player a journalist is voting for should be made available to us, the fans. That will help the media be held accountable for these decisions and help the players get the justice they deserve. Importantly, Stephen A. Smith agrees to this. Well, this might be a great step for the league. But, it doesn’t seem like the NBA is bringing in this revolution anytime soon. So, we’ll have to wait patiently and watch how things work out.
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