Grading Klay Thompson’s debut as the Warriors sideline reporter

Klay Thompson returned to the Warriors sideline, but not in his number 11 jersey. Instead the All-Star guard was strapped with a microphone as the team’s sideline reporter.

Over Klay Thompson’s career with the Golden State Warriors, the three-time champion has morphed into one of the most quotable players in the league.

Thompson’s interviews have turned into folklore; whether he’s taking on the persona of “China Klay,” or enjoying a beer mid-postgame interview, he’s must-watch television.

Since Thompson is still recovering from the ACL injury he suffered in the 2019 NBA Finals, the Warriors have lacked a sense of excitement without the five-time All-Star on the floor. The Warriors found a way to bring Thompson back to the court, but in a different role.

Thompson served as the team’s sideline reporter in the second quarter against the Bulls game on Wednesday evening. In a season filled with losses, the distraction of Thompson along the sideline brought a positive feeling to the Warriors broadcast.

Thompson started things off, trying to find his signature call. “Reporter Klay,” broke down a slow-motion play-by-play shot of Glenn Robinson III’s dunk in the second quarter. Thompson settled on “ain’t that a smooth one.”

Thompson might have to call on his father, Mychal, for some lessons when it comes to an exciting play-by-play call. Thompson’s father currently serves as the Los Angeles Lakers radio color commentator.

One of the best parts about Thompson’s broadcast was how engaged he was in the play of his young teammates throughout the quarter. The Warriors broadcast team would ask Thompson questions, but he seemed more interested in the live game than reminiscing on times he was on the floor in the past. Thompson would repeatedly cheer on his teammates emphatically on the sideline. The interest a two-time All-NBA team player showed in his young teammates has to be motivating for players still trying to find their path in the league.

We didn’t get to see Thompson interview coach Steve Kerr, but one of the highlights of the night came when he started firing questions to his teammate, Omari Spellman. Thompson grabbed the mic from full-time sideline reporter, Kerith Burke and took over as the reporter during the interview.

Thompson’s sideline reporting grade: B

Overall, Thompson was entertaining, but his resume of work on-camera is so legendary that his performance on the broadcast doesn’t crack his Mt. Rushmore of media moments. Most importantly, the team got a win, and are now undefeated with Thompson as the sideline reporter.