Klay Thompson Excited For 'Redemption Season' With Heat

The useful part

Klay Thompson addressed reporters on Tuesday after officially joining the Miami Heat, discussing his decision to sign and what he hopes to bring to his new team. Thompson cited personal ties to the city, including his father Mychal's high school title run at Miami Jackson High in 1974 and his brother's connection to Heat coach Erik Spoelstra's alma mater. "That's what attracted me to being here." Thompson reportedly left just under $10 million on the table with the Dallas Mavericks to sign with Miami, prioritizing a chance to compete for a championship over maximizing his contract.

How it works

• "It's kind of a redemption season for me to show I can still make an impact on winning and do it consistently," Thompson said.
• "I've tasted winning before and there's really nothing like it," Thompson said.
• "The opportunity to win again at a very high level was so attractive to me." Thompson expressed excitement about the potential of Miami's revamped roster, which now includes Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam...
• Thompson and Wiggins were previously teammates with the Golden State Warriors.
• What an honor it is." Spoelstra praised Thompson's championship pedigree and two-way impact during the news conference.

What to take from it

Defensively he has pride in being a legitimate two-way basketball player." Spoelstra also acknowledged the scrutiny facing Miami's retooled roster entering the season. "There's going to be a lot of eyeballs on our team this year," Spoelstra said.

Details worth keeping

"I know it's a demanding atmosphere," said Thompson. "We're very excited about this," said Spoelstra.