Klay Thompson honoured just to be among USA finalists for Rio 2016

TORONTO (2016 Rio Olympics) - Klay Thompson is the reigning NBA champion and winner of the three-point shootout at last weekend NBA All Star festivities. But the Golden State marksman feels honoured to be even included in the pool of USA Basketball finalists for the 2016 Rio Olympics. 

Thompson along with Warriors teammates Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are among the 31 finalists for a USA team looking to win a third straight Olympic gold medal this summer. 

"I’m really excited that I’m even in the pool to even get a chance to be on the team. It would be really great to make that team," Thompson said at the NBA All Star festivities.

The Los Angeles native has shown he can win with Team USA, helping them to the title at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

"Spain was such a great experiences. It was one of the best basketball experiences in my life."

Thompson averaged 12.7 points for the Americans in Spain, second-most on the team behind James Harden while also chipping in 2.2 rebounds, 2.1 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game and hitting 42 percent of his three-pointers.

When asked what it will take to make the team for Rio, Thompson said:

"You have to have a great year, but you have to beat out a lot of great players and prove to USA Basketball that you’re committed and put the team first. There are a lot of guys who can lead the team in scoring, rebounding. But it’s not about the stats, it’s just about getting the gold. It would be a huge honour (to play at 2016 Rio Olympics). It would be something that I would be very proud of myself for doing. If it’s not this year, hopefully it’s in 2020."

Thompson already has two global titles for the United States. In 2009, he helped USA to win the FIBA U19 World Championship, ending an 18-year drought for the Americans in the competition. Also on that U19 title winning team was Gordon Hayward, who is included among the 31 Rio 2016 finalists. 

The 26-year-old Thompson said the Olympics are definitely in the back of his mind despite his Warriors team on a historic campaign in the NBA right now. 

Golden State went into the All Star break with a 48-4 record, on pace to break the Chicago Bulls’ hallowed record of 72 wins during the 1995-96 season. Thompson admitted that it would be something special to break that mark.

"It would be a great feat. Just growing up a sports fan that was one of those records you thought was untouchable. Just to be in the conversation with that Bulls team is really special. Obviously (73 wins) doesn’t mean a thing if you don’t win the ring. But if we can win both of those things it’s got to be one of the most special seasons in sports history. It would be such a privilege to be part of it." - Klay Thompson

When asked if all the talk about breaking the Bulls’ record is a distraction, Thompson said:

"Not really because we still know what the task is. It’s just to build great habits for the playoffs. If we have a chance to win 73, we’ll try to get it. But it’s not our main goal. Our main goal is to repeat. That would be sweet to get 73, I’m not going to lie."

Thompson picked up the first of what he hopes is many trophies in 2016 at the All Star weekend in Toronto, winning the Three-Point contest by beating Warriors and 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup teammate Stephen Curry. 

"We love to shoot against each other. You know, I’ve never been on a team with someone who shoots it better than me, so it’s a privilege to work with him every day. He makes me that much better."

The Warriors shooting guard hopes getting that much better will eventually earn him a spot in Rio.

"It’s something I would love to do and definitely on my bucket list to play for the USA team again and play for the gold medal."

FIBA