For the first time in thirteen years, the Warriors will be without Klay Thompson. The sharpshooter's departure to play with the Dallas Mavericks leaves a massive void on Golden State's roster that needs to be filled.
"It is not going to be easy. A guy like that who was here for a long time, he helped build a special team and dynasty," said Kevon Looney. "It is not a one-person thing. It isn't something that you can just replace, but we have the people and character in the locker room to keep it moving forward."
Buddy Hield was brought in to help bridge the gap in the shooting department, but Thompson was more than just a shooter. He was a mentor, a leader, and a familiar face that gave this team an identity.
"With Klay leaving here, things just look different; it feels different. It is not the same thing, and it has been the same thing for so long here," said Draymond Green. "After years of something, you kind of grow accustomed to it, but at the same time, where there is uncertainty, that is usually the biggest opportunity for growth."
Other players are going to have to step up. Jonathan Kuminga needs to take the next step and become a borderline star player, and Andrew Wiggins needs to return to the same level he was at during his first four seasons with the Warriors when he averaged nearly 18 points per game.
"It is going to be different for sure. On and off the court, Klay was a big presence, and when you think about Golden State, you think about Klay, Steph, and Draymond, so he will always be that guy," said Wiggins.
Curry and Green are still there and should be able to pick up some of the slack as the captains of the team, but losing the person Thompson was to this franchise is a tough pill to swallow.
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