For a full week, Bay Area sports radio was unable to stray from conversation, conjecture, criticism and critique on the departure of Klay Thompson from the Golden State Warriors. I listened twice to the ESPN Daily Podcast: Why Klay Thompson's Exit Spells the End of the Warriors' Dynasty to gain a better understanding of how this happened... why it happened...and more. The more I read (and hear), the less I really know. One thing however is certain, this Splash Brother will be missed. If it's not for an era that seems to have passed, it's for what could have been. Thus, I would like to offer the tribute as a way to thank #11 for all the life lessons he offered both on and off the hardwood. Sports and Spirituality is a better class because of Thompson and his impact on the "Klay Area." Here are but a few ideas and understandings gained from this Warrior.
What Meets the Eye
In 2019, Klay Thompson purchased a house but five homes from where I live. Though the article says his digs were near the Chase Center, his real estate agent informed me was on Washington— a street that dead ends into Alta Vista Park. Given that I park on the street—my unit on Fillmore and Washington does not include parking—I usually find a spot in and around this locale.
Standing 6'6" Thompson is easily recognizable. I have no doubt I would have seen him and tried to do so. I am certain he would have taken his bulldog Rocco out to walk and enjoy the remarkable 360 degree vistas of the city from Alta Vista. I hope I would have respected his privacy and yet I would like to believe I would have been a fun and friendly neighbor.
Unfortunately for fans like me, it never happened. Due to personal reasons, Klay did not move in and well, that idea lives on as but a dream (and a story).
When I told this story to my former roommate, she asked me if I ever figured out who lived in the house two doors down from Klay. "Why?" I asked. She replied "Well, a Lincoln town car sits in front of it every day and picks somebody up. I've always wondered who lives there."
I have seen that black limo she mentioned every single work day for at minimum two or three years, before COVID. Not once did I think twice about it. I never wondered who ordered it or why. In short, my vision caught sight of it but I'm not sure I saw it. It registered and yet it didn't.
The contrast presented by what I saw but didn't see and what I wanted to see has always been striking to me. What do we see and why? What do we want to see? What do we not see?
These questions and this story is such an important metaphor for the spiritual life. How? Why? Because for so many of us seeing is believing. However, the spiritual life demands something more. As mentioned in the article "Team Leader" Notre Dame's new president Father Bob Dowd, C.S.C. states, "Among other things, I see my role as a priest as one who helps people to believe that there is more to life than what meets the eye and that God is with them."
I stopped when I read his message. I have long believed that is my job too. Such is the task of a teacher of Sports and Spirituality. The course is not about public displays of faith—athletes pointing to the sky. Rather, I aim to help young people see the world through a different lens—a sacramental one. At its best it's one of meaning and grace, that is open to the many ways God is working in the world. With all due respect to Klay, life isn't about seeing just what we want to see. Instead, what else might we see, notice, acknowledge and recognize that is hidden in plain sight? That requires a new perspective or point of view? That has a deeper meaning?
Lights Out
In the event this metaphor needs extension, let's unpack a test run by ESPN's Sports Science after Thompson scored 37 points in just one quarter. Thompson set an NBA record and prompted this blog post as it exemplified the concept of FLOW.
Every athlete has heard the words "keep your eye on the ball." This science determined that during a shot, Klay keeps his eyes locked on the target for 90% of his shooting motion. This allows him to use visual information to guide the ball from his hands to the target. For the sake of science, John Brenkus sought to discover: How might that change with the lights out? Watch the video for the amazing scientific explanation. I'll offer the metaphorical one.
Thompson made 80% of his shots in total darkness. His form was was remarkably consistent. In other words: the trained eye will see. Form will not only follow function, it will flourish. We will do what we need to do and see what we need to see with training, commitment, practice and performance. I guess Father Bob and I need to keep at it!
Fandom as Friendship
Though I have not read much about this, I think to be a fan is to enter into a particular kind of friendship. To really follow and stay loyal to a certain player means you take on a certain responsibility. You support and defend your friends. You give them grace and space. You pay attention to their joys and their struggles, their passions and pursuits. To lose Klay Thompson from the Warriors is to see a neighborhood friend move away. In life, people change...they move on. Perhaps a new opportunity is for the best. But, doesn't mean it's easy.
When Thompson signed with the Mavericks, I immediately thought of my former colleague and friend Matt Balano. I think of him often, but especially in times like this, I would like to know his thoughts on the deal. I trusted him and his input. At my gym, I had to reach out to my friend's boyfriend. I know that Klay is one of his favorite players. I wanted him to know, I knew what all of this might mean for him. It's a loss. Ugh.
Photo Credits
Marcus Thompson
Mavericks
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