Move over Kristen Ledlow and Cassidy Hubbarth; there’s a new rookie reporter about to make his debut along the NBA sideline. Warriors All-Star guard, Klay Thompson, will serve as the broadcast sideline reporter for Golden State’s upcoming home tilt versus the Chicago Bulls.
Thompson is still rehabbing from the ACL injury he suffered in game-six of the 2019 NBA Finals and won’t be playing. However, returning as a one-time broadcaster might be the next best thing.
Thompson’s taken on several personas across his career, including “China Klay,” “Headband Klay” and “Game Six Klay.” Thompson’s latest persona has been dubbed “Reporter Klay” by NBC Sports Bay Area, the television home of the Warriors.
#ReporterKlay is making his debut on Wednesday 😎
Tune in during the 2nd quarter of Bulls-Warriors on NBC Sports Bay Area pic.twitter.com/Px2lBZGNEp
— NBCSAuthentic (@NBCSAuthentic) November 26, 2019
We’ve seen memorable moments with Thompson on camera, like the time he enjoyed a satisfying postgame beer mid-interview, or when he was dosed with water by his fellow splash brother and couldn’t focus. Over Thompson’s career, he’s turned into one of the most amusing interviewees in the NBA; now it’s his turn to ask the questions.
The host of “Warriors Pregame Live,” Greg Papa, announced Thompson would appear as the broadcast’s sideline reporter for the second-quarter on the eve of Thanksgiving against the Bulls. Regular sideline reporter, Kerith Burke will serve as Thompson’s mentor.
With the team struggling, any distraction from the Warriors 3-15 record is a positive. Thompson’s been the figurehead of many viral moments with Golden State; now, in front of a camera for an entire quarter, he’s bound to provide entertaining content.
The most interesting moment of the night could come when Thompson has to interview Steve Kerr— will the coach give him the Gregg Popovich treatment?