Klay Thompson spent 13 seasons in the NBA as a key member of the Golden State Warriors, playing a crucial role in securing four NBA championships and appearing in six consecutive Finals when healthy. Known as one half of the “Splash Brothers” alongside Stephen Curry, Thompson averaged 19.6 points per game and achieved an impressive 41.3% success rate on three-pointers, becoming one of the few players to make over 300 shots from beyond the arc before more recently being joined by Malik Beasley and Anthony Edwards.
This season marked Thompson’s first year playing for a team outside the Bay Area after the Warriors lost him to the Dallas Mavericks in free agency last summer, part of a broader sign-and-trade deal. The move came after salary disputes, with Thompson ultimately accepting a three-year, $50 million contract from Dallas, which was less than the Warriors had initially offered.
Klay’s Bay Area Connections and Rocco’s Place in the Community
Despite his team change, Thompson’s connection to the Bay Area remains strong, reflected in personal habits like taking his boat to games and sporting his captain’s hat at the Chase Center arena. Thompson’s English bulldog, Rocco, was also beloved by fans and sometimes appeared during press conferences, becoming a familiar and cherished figure throughout his Warriors tenure.
Heartfelt Loss Shared by Family and Fans
<pOn Friday, Klay Thompson’s father, former NBA star Mychal Thompson, announced on his L.A. radio show that the family had to put down Rocco over the past weekend. This news sparked an outpouring of sympathy from fans who remembered the loyal companion fondly. One fan wrote,
“Sad for Klay… as we all know losing a pet is sometimes more difficult than losing friends or family as our furry friends deliver us unconditional love and are always the best listeners…. And they always know how to make you laugh even when you don’t feel like it. RIP.”
—Anonymous
Other fans expressed their feelings simply and warmly, with messages like “warrior legend dynasty dog rocco” and “Best boy Rocco Warrior 4L.” Another proposed a tribute, saying,
“Gotta hang a Rocco Thompson jersey in the rafters.”
—Anonymous
Honoring Rocco’s Memory Within the Warriors Community
Though the Warriors might not raise a jersey for Rocco, the team acknowledged his importance with a special tribute. The bond between Thompson, the Warriors, and their fans illustrates how Rocco was a meaningful part of the team’s culture and Klay’s personal life, symbolizing the deeper connections found beyond the court.
This poignant farewell to Rocco highlights the emotional side of the athlete’s journey, reminding fans that behind the sport and legacy stands a person shaped by love and loss, strengthening appreciation for Klay Thompson’s Warriors legacy and the heartfelt dog Rocco tribute that has touched so many.