We all know of Klay Thompson by this point; the 6 feet 6 inches tall shooting guard plays for the Dallas Mavericks. In college, Klay played for Washington State, growing into an elite shooter. His four NBA Championships and the hard work behind each one of them are a testament to his successes. But while we know enough about him and his Father Mychal, there are also his brothers who have had their own successes but have hardly been discussed.
In this article, we will briefly look into the careers and lives of Mychel and Trayce Thompson.
Who is Mychel Thompson?
Mychel Thompson is a former professional basketball player who played in the NBA and overseas. He was born on June 1, 1988, in Los Angeles, California. Mychel is famously known as the older brother of NBA superstar Klay Thompson.
Early Life
Thompson attended Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, California where he played high school basketball. During his time at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, Thompson developed into a solid player and helped lead his team to a state championship during his senior year.
Joining Pepperdine
After finishing high school, Mychel went on to attend Pepperdine University where he played college basketball for four years. During his college career with the Pepperdine Waves men's basketball team from 2007 to 2011, Mychel averaged roughly 11 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting around 40% from three-point range.
His Professional Career
Despite having a successful college career, Mychel wasn't selected in the NBA draft after graduating from Pepperdine. However, he did manage to earn himself some tryouts with various teams which led him to eventually sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers' G-League affiliate team called the Erie Bayhawks for their inaugural season back in 2011-12.
Mychel spent two seasons playing for Erie before signing with another G-League team called the Santa Cruz Warriors before their debut season in 2012-13 which happens to be affiliated to the Golden State Warriors; coincidentally it is also Klay's current NBA Team.
During his time playing professional basketball both domestically and overseas (he has also played internationally), Thompson showcased his all-around game that enabled him not only to score points but also defend well and distribute effectively making him a valuable asset for any team willing to take a chance on him.
Given that many people associate Mychel mostly through being related or having ties with younger brother Klay who has grown into one of the league’s best players, it's worth noting that he had a successful career in his own right.
Who is Trayce Thompson?
Trayce Thompson is a professional baseball player who has made a name for himself in Major League Baseball (MLB).
His Early Life
Trayce was born on March 15th, 1991 in Ladera Heights, California. His mother Julie McDaniel was a former volleyball player at the University of Southern California while his father Mychal Thompson played basketball professionally for the Los Angeles Lakers during their "Showtime" era. Growing up surrounded by sports he quickly developed a passion for basketball but also loved playing baseball.
Thompson attended Santa Margarita Catholic High School where he excelled both as a basketball and baseball player. However, it wasn't until college that he decided to pursue baseball full-time when he received scholarship offers from Pepperdine University and UCLA.
Professional Career
Trayce Thompson plays the Outfielder position. After being drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 2009 as their second-round pick (61st overall), Trayce began making waves through Minor League Baseball before finally earning his spot on Chicago's roster. On August 3rd, 2015, he hit two home runs including one grand slam - becoming only the fourth Sox rookie ever to record seven RBIs or more in one game.
Over the years Trayce has been traded from team to team including stints with the Cubs, the Padres, and Oakland Athletics. However, it wasn't until signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers that he found some stability within MLB leagues again. As of October 2024, Trayce Thompson is a free agent.
Relationship with Klay Thompson
Apart from being known for his successful career on-field, Trayce is also famous due to his relationship with NBA All-Star Klay Thompson who happens to be his older brother. Despite pursuing different sports they share common interests such as gaming which helped them bond closely over the years. It's not uncommon to see them playing games together or even heading out for a game of golf.
Mychel and Trayce Thompson are two talented and hardworking athletes who carved their paths and made significant contributions to the organizations they played for. Collectively, the Thompson Brothers have demonstrated a passion and dedication to their sport that have earned them respect from fans, family, and colleagues. Their dedication speaks volumes about their bond despite pursuing different sports which proves that the true Brotherhood knows no boundaries or limitations - be it geographic distance or profession.
FAQs
A. Mychel was born on the 1st of June, 1988. He is 36 years of age.
A. Mychel had a very brief stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He spent most of his time playing in the G-League.
A. Trayce Thompson was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the second round of the 2009 MLB Draft.
A. Trayce Thompson is a free agent. He last played for the Chicago White Sox in 2023.