Klay Thompson Points to Manu Ginóbili As Inspiration for Accepting Warriors Bench Role

Klay Thompson seems to be coming around to his newfound role on the Golden State Warriors. 

Thompson, who was benched down the stretch of a Warriors' win earlier in February, admitted the change was "really hard" for him to accept. Fast forward to Thursday night, and it was Thompson—a reserve at tip-off for the first time in 12 years—who led Golden State to a victory over the Utah Jazz, pouring in a team-high 35 points in the process. 

After the game, an introspective Thompson apologized to his teammates and coaches for how he previously handled the transition, then credited former San Antonio Spurs star and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Manu Ginóbili for being willing to accept—and succeed—in such a role, per Sam Gordon of The San Francisco Chronicle. 

"Just got to let the ego go when you think of coming off the bench and all that. I thought about Manu Ginóbili,” Thompson said. “That guy has four rings and a gold medal. Came off the bench his whole career, and I don't think anyone looks down on his Hall of Fame candidacy. 

“He's one of the greats. I embraced it before the tip.”

There's nothing wrong with aspiring to be like Ginóbili, whose willingness to cede personal accolades for team achievements helped spearhead San Antonio's dynasty. 

Perhaps Thompson's own willingness to come off the bench could extend his career—and Golden State's championship window.