Dallas Mavericks star Klay Thompson was greeted by close to 400 Warriors employees in the tunnels of the Chase Center in his return to Golden State with the Dallas Mavericks.

Thompson was drafted by the Warriors in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft and spent his first 13 years in the league with the franchise, winning four championships.

Most employees donned a sailor captain, an homage to Thompson’s outfit during the 2022 Warriors Championship parade following their six-game victory over the Boston Celtics. He was subsequently dubbed “Captain Klay” for his look.

When asked about the potential reaction he’ll receive from the home fans on Wednesday, Thompson was coy. “I don’t think I’ll really know until I get there.”

“It’d be good to see all the people I grinded with that’s for sure, especially the training staff because we had some … we got to know each other very well over those rehab stints, very well.”

Thompson signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Mavericks this offseason as the sharpshooter looks to prove himself in new pastures.

“[the Warriors] chapter is over,” he told Andscape on Sunday. “I’m in the midst of trying to win here (Dallas). There is no point in missing anything when we have such a great opportunity here to be great.”

Klay Thompson tribute

The Warriors gave Thompson an extended video tribute ahead of Tuesday’s game ( 

Image:

Getty Images)

The 34-year-old was a five-time All-Star with Golden State. Despite playing in the presence of superstars Kevin Durant and Steph Curry, Thompson was still able to carve a mark in franchise lore.

Thompson averaged 22.1 points while shooting a sparkling 42.5% from deep as the 2015-16 Warriors set the record for the most wins in a single season with 73.

However, he was relegated to the bench in certain spurts last season for the first time since his rookie campaign.

Nonetheless, Thompson averaged 17.9 points on 38.7% shooting from deep last year as the Warriors narrowly missed the playoffs. His formerly All-NBA-level defense also took a hit.

“You are an icon in this franchise; your statue will be outside Chase one day,” said longtime Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. “Thank you for all the championships, all the incredible moments, the person you are, the teammate you are; I loved coaching you, and welcome back.”

Thompson has started all 10 games this season for 5-5 Mavericks, averaging 13.8 points on a career-worst 35.8% three-point percentage.