"Grandpa T would be so happy" - Klay Thompson embraces Bahamian basketball roots after lighting up 2024 Olympic training camp

Golden State Warriors veteran star shooting guard Klay Thompson joined the Bahamas men's national basketball team for its Olympic training camp in Houston this week. Upon doing so, the four-time NBA champion shared a wholesome social media message embracing his Bahamian roots.

On Monday, The Athletic's Shams Charania and Anthony Slater reported on Thompson's plans to participate in the training camp. However, they noted that he "is not expected to get clearance and compete for the Bahamas in the Olympic qualifier this summer."

After winning an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in 2016, Thompson requires "FIBA approval" and an "official release from USA Basketball." The Bahamas national team's FIBA Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament kicks off on July 2 in Spain, giving Thompson little time to meet the requirements.

Nonetheless, the five-time All-Star appeared to enjoy himself at training camp, playing alongside several prominent NBA players, including Deandre Ayton, Buddy Hield and Eric Gordon. In a highlight clip posted by The Bahamas Basketball Federation, he can be seen lighting it up from beyond the arc.

On Wednesday, Thompson shared the post to his Instagram stories. In his caption, he noted how he wished his Bahamian grandfather, Dewitt Thompson, was still alive to see the national team's progression.

"The future of Bahamian basketball is so bright," Thompson said. "My Grandpa T would be so happy to see us all come together."

Klay Thompson embraces Bahamian basketball roots after lighting up 2024 Olympic training camp

Thompson's grandfather died in his home in the Bahamas in 2014 at age 94. The Warriors star later took time away from Golden State to travel to the Bahamas for his funeral.

10 years later, Thompson is seeking to make his paternal relatives proud by representing their home country.

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Klay Thompson on desire to play for Bahamas national basketball team

Klay Thompson also discussed his desire to play for the Bahamas national team ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season. He noted that his father, two-time NBA champion and Bahamas native Mychal Thompson, wasn't able to. Thus, he has an extra incentive to suit up for the country one day.

"That'd be cool, because my dad never got the opportunity," Thompson said. "The Bahamas is a place where my story cannot be told without it. It's dear to my heart, so, yeah, that would be sweet."

Thompson may not be able to fulfill his goal this year. However, according to Shams Charania and Anthony Slater, the sharpshooter's "presence" alone at training camp is already considered a "symbolic moment" for the country.

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