Klay Thompson: 'I'd Rather Win a Championship Than be Third Team All-NBA'
Klay Thompson didn't make 2018-19's All-NBA teams, but he's not dwelling it.
After the list was revealed on Thursday, reporters informed Thompson during an interview that he missed the list. He appeared annoyed by the news but decided to focus on the Warriors' upcoming appearance in the NBA Finals.
"When you go to five straight Finals, I respect those guys but...it takes more than just a couple All-NBA guys," he said. "I'd rather win a championship than be third team All-NBA.
"Do I think there are that many guards better than me in the league? No, but I don't really want to get into it."
Thompason will hit free agency this summer, and the All-NBA team snub impacts his future contract. Landing on the list has become a big deal because it allows certain veterans to be eligible for supermax deals. Thompson will be capped at a five-year, $190 million deal by not making the All-NBA list. If he were eligible for a supermax contract, he could've reached a projected $221 million deal.
Thompson's teammate Steph Curry made the All-NBA First Team at guard along with the Rockets' James Harden. Guards Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard were named to the All-NBA Second Team, with Lillard becoming eligible for a supermax extension. Kemba Walker and Russell Westbrook were listed on the All-NBA Third Team.