After two turbulent seasons, Klay Thompson is ready for a fresh chapter with the Miami Heat. The four-time NBA champion joined Miami after reaching a contract buyout with the Dallas Mavericks.
The newest addition for the Heat has already drawn comparisons to Miami legend Ray Allen, and Thompson recently made his feelings clear about being linked to the two-time champion.
Klay Thompson Has No Issue With Ray Allen ComparisonsRecently, a photo went viral on social media after Thompson appeared to engage with fans on Instagram regarding comparisons between his career and Allen’s. The interaction sparked plenty of discussion among fans, with many wondering whether the 5-time All-Star was uncomfortable being compared to the Heat legend.
However, Thompson put those questions to rest during an interview with ESPN South Florida, making it clear that he had absolutely no problem with the comparison.
In fact, he expressed genuine admiration for Allen and explained how much the former sharpshooter influenced his own game.
“Of course, I like those comparisons,” Thompson said. “I love Ray Allen. Are you kidding me? Him and Reggie were the blueprint for my whole off-ball formula. I still do the drills, I still watch their footage.”
“It gives me chills that I’m even in the same sentence as Ray because if you told me this in my rookie season, I would’ve never believed you.”
The comparisons have become even more intriguing because Thompson’s path to Miami resembles Allen’s.
The 10-time All-Star joined the Heat in 2012 after leaving the Boston Celtics following a turbulent season, helping Miami reach the 2013 NBA Finals.
Thompson also revealed that he particularly enjoys rewatching Allen’s clutch three-pointer.
“Ray has one of the greatest shots in history, and I still practice that back pedal drill he did in Game 6 of 2013. I love those comparisons.”
The Heat officially introduced Thompson on Tuesday, and naturally, comparisons between the current roster and the 2012-13 championship team came up during the introductory press conference.
However, when asked about it, Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra said he wants Thompson and the rest of the team to establish their own identity and write a new chapter in Heat history.
“What I would say to that is let’s let this team have its own journey, own identity, its own story,” Spoelstra said.
After his turbulent stint in Dallas, Thompson is entering Miami with plenty to prove. A move to South Beach offers the ideal opportunity to revive his career and potentially chase a fifth championship.
The excitement surrounding the new-look Heat has made headlines since the addition of Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason in a blockbuster deal.
Fans will now hope Thompson can play a major role in turning Miami into a championship contender alongside Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
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