Klay Thompson talks about sixth-man role with the GSW, his future / News - Basketnews.com

Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson talked about coming off the bench for the first time since his rookie year and his future with the team.

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Klay Thompson, who makes up "The Splash Brothers" with Stephen Curry in the Golden State Warriors, is at a point in his career where he is called off the bench rather than being named to the starting five as in the past.

Klay Thompson

Team:Golden State WarriorsPosition:SG, SFAge:34Height:201 cmWeight:93 kgBirth place:Los Angeles, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

Now more of a sixth-man within the team, Thompson is trying to find himself and his rhythm again after recent bouts with serious injuries. Meanwhile, his future with the Warriors remains uncertain as contract extension talks between the parties are not proceeding.

Speaking to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Thompson revealed what he thought about his new role in the team, which has admittedly helped them, as the Warriors have won 10 games in their last 13 match-ups.

"Not really," Thompson was clear when asked if his current role with the Warriors means that he might not prefer them in the future. "I mean, you've still got to examine all of your options, but I would love to be a Warrior for life. Whatever happens though, I’ve got a few more years to play this game, so I’m gonna enjoy every second," he continued.

"I realize that I see light at the end of the tunnel, [and] I'm not sure if I want to play until I'm 40, man. That sounds really exhausting," he also added as a long-term forecast.

Thompson expressed that he is at peace, having figured out a way to better cope with the stress of having to play with a certain "identity" each game.

"I'm doing great. I think I'm doing much better in not putting my identity in my performance, especially after 11 years of NBAbasketball. That alone is an incredible accomplishment," he explained. "And to be out here and still be playing and having fun and being healthy, that trumps any big shooting night or 50-40-90 milestones.

"It took me a long time to realize that, but once I finally did, my game has been much better," Thompson continued. "I've been so much more at ease and realizing that, 'Gosh, this is such a cool opportunity for me.'

"Guys would kill to be in my shoes, even with all the injuries and all that. The heights we've reached are rare, so it’s been awesome," the shooting guard stated, reminiscing about the incredible run that he had with the Golden State Warriors, which includes four championships, two conference titles, and two division titles.

This season, the American is averaging 16.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.

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