Warriors' Season Will Be 'Weird' Without Klay Thompson

On the court, the Golden State Warriors seem to have done a solid job of replacing Klay Thompson. Buddy Hield and Brandin Podziemski are excellent offensive players, and Thompson's defensive impact can be replicated by Kyle Anderson and, to an extent, De'Anthony Melton.

However, Thompson was a presence in Golden State for 13 seasons, and the Warriors are looking to replace a lot more than just a legendary shooter.

For as much credit Stephen Curry gets for ushering in a new era of basketball and introducing the game to the concept of "limitless range," the story of the greatest team of all time and one of the league's best dynasties can't be told without his other Splash Brother, who signed with the Dallas Mavericks this offseason after winning four titles in the Bay.

Curry has long since cemented himself as a top-ten player of all time, but Thompson was one of the best supporting figures to ever play the game, rivaling Scottie Pippen, Tony Parker, and John Stockton in terms of impact.

"There were so many little Klayisms, nuances in pregame meetings and walkthroughs. The humor that he brought, the joy, it's going to be weird without him," said Steve Kerr, who coached Thompson for 11 years.

Thompson and the Mavericks will travel to Golden State on November 12 for an NBA Cup game.

"When he comes here with Dallas, it’s going to be, for sure, an emotional night,” Kerr said. “In some ways, a difficult night, but I’m also looking forward to welcoming him back and reminding him how much we love him.”

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Despite some hard feelings between Thompson and the Warriors' organization, it is expected that he will be greeted by a standing ovation upon his return.