D’Angelo Russell a Blossoming Superstar, says Klay Thompson

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 7: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Golden State Warriors is seen during the game during Day 3 of the 2019 Las Vegas Summer League on July 7, 2019 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 7: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Golden State Warriors is seen during the game during Day 3 of the 2019 Las Vegas Summer League on July 7, 2019 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
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(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

One Golden State Warriors star recently heaped quite the praise on another.

Klay Thompson has been spending his offseason in the most Klay Thompson way possible. Since undergoing surgery to repair his torn ACL, the  Golden State Warriors all-star guard has been rehabilitating with the assistance of his best friend Rocco and has been wakeboarding to pass the time.

It is the most important offseason of the Warriors all-star guard’s career.

The defending Western Conference champions are transitioning from wily veterans to youthful exuberance, and for the Dubs to enjoy a successful season, they will be requiring the Splash Brothers to be as lethal as ever.

There is, however, one more all-star that has been added to the Warriors’ backcourt.

The unlikely acquisition of D’Angelo Russell has provided Coach Kerr with an exciting new option, and Thompson spoke about the Warriors’ prospects moving forward on ESPN’s ‘The Jump’.

"“I think that’s a little premature, saying there’s no more dynasty. I mean, we still have Stephen Curry, a two-time MVP. Draymond Green, a Defensive Player of the Year. I think D’Angelo Russell was an incredible get for us, I mean, the kid’s gonna blossom into a superstar in this league. To say the dynasty is over I think is a little ignorant, because I think I’m gonna come back 110 percent, I think I’m gonna come back even better and more athletic. It would not be smart to count the Dubs out, that’s all I’ll say.”"

Lots can be unpacked with Thompson’s words, and what is striking is his immediate praise for his new teammate.

Thompson has never been shy when it comes to speaking his mind. It is part of his charm, and it is what makes him unique among a league of soundbites. So when Klay says that Russell will blossom into a superstar, we know he means it.