Klay Thompson Wants To Emulate Manu Ginobili

The San Antonio Spurs players have made sacrifices over the years that have become key to the team’s five NBA titles. Players have taken noticed and hope to one day have the same success.

Golden State Warriors sharp-shooter Klay Thompson mentioned last week that he’d like to provide the same steadiness and production as the Spurs’ Manu Ginobili. Heading into his 15th year with San Antonio, Ginobili has certainly made his claim for the Hall of Fame.

“I look at a guy like Manu Ginobili who came off the bench almost his entire career.” – Klay Thompson on whom he wants transition his play after

The Warriors are a team that is destined to win another title with the arrival of Kevin Durant. With as great of a scorer as Durant is, the Warriors already have two others than can fill the bucket up, so somebody on the talented Warriors’ roster will be losing shots. It is hardly a thought that Curry will be one of the players that will lose attempts, so, Thompson seems to be the odd man out.

Thompson at the U.S. Olympic Team’s practices in Las Vegas last week stated that he’s willing to do what Ginobili has done for the Spurs.

“I know how good I am in this league. I’m not going to judge my performance off numbers or anything. If we get wins, it really doesn’t matter, man. It’s all good.”

This has been the key to success for San Antonio and one reason why they have five banners hanging from the rafters at the AT&T Center. San Antonio has been lucky to have players that come into their system and know what their roles are. Ego’s aside, they know from the start what their system is all about, trusting one another and doing what needs to be done to win games, and if it is to take a back seat for someone, it will be done.

April 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili (20) dribbles the basketball during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Spurs 112-101. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Ginobili over his 14 year career with San Antonio has been a starter. Though his numbers did not translate as much as they do with him being the Spurs first player off the bench, he still sacrificed minutes and scoring to what was best for the team. One thing that helps, understanding the situation.

With Thompson having won a title early in his career, he is starting to see the light. “I look at a guy like Manu Ginobili who came off the bench almost his entire career,” Thompson told ESPN.com.

He goes on to talk about Ginobili not averaging more than 20 points a game but stating the facts that he is a four-time champion and scoring 20 a game, and how he could of easily joined another team and averaged 25 easily.

“Never averaged more than 20 points a game, but he’s a four-time champion, you know? He could have easily been on another team and averaged 25 a game, but he sacrificed to win, and that’s what I expect to do next year. I don’t care about averaging 25 or even 20. I just want to finish it out and get back to the Finals and enjoy that ride.”

Maturity definitely showing from a player whom is just 26 years old. Saying the words and living up to them are a different story. Alot of younger players in the NBA get to a point where their immaturity could show if they are not getting many touches, or plays called for them, but for Thompson, he has been in the shadows of Curry since joining the Warriors and has handled it with a great attitude.

The Warriors are Curry’s team there is no question. Now that Durant has joined, Thompson’s role will change and it seems as if he already has a plan in the works.

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