Being a four-time NBA champ comes with perks, endorsement deals, global fame, and cameos in Megan Thee Stallion videos. But for Klay Thompson, it also means getting trailed through New York City like he’s in some low-budget spy movie… all without a single security guard in sight. That’s exactly what happened recently, and let’s just say, Klay did not look thrilled.
The Dallas Mavericks guard has been riding a social media wave this offseason. He’s posted training clips, popped up in music videos, and been casually existing in the wild. Unfortunately, that last one didn’t go so smoothly.
While out and about in NYC, a fan recognized Thompson and decided to strike up a conversation. Fair enough, when you’re a living NBA legend walking solo in public, some fan chatter is inevitable. But this interaction took a weird turn.
Random Fan Creeps Out Klay Thompson While in New York City
The fan not only approached Klay, but kept the convo going long after the point of comfort. At one point, the fan said, “I respect people’s privacy out here,” while continuing to film and, yes, follow Thompson… all the way to his hotel. Kind of missing the point there, buddy. Other fans online then told the person to “Leave the dude alone,” regarding the four-time NBA Champion
Even as Thompson politely nodded and tried to keep it moving, the fan wasn’t done. He trailed behind from a distance, sneakily recording Klay as he walked through the park and along city streets. There’s respecting a celebrity, and then there’s acting like you’re casting for To Catch a Celebrity Jogger.
By the end of the footage, the fan actually complimented Klay’s ability to go unnoticed thanks to his sunglasses. “His glasses really helped him blend in,” the fan noted, as if that somehow justifies the unsolicited espionage. The guy even considered walking into the hotel with him before wisely stopping at the entrance. Creepy, or at least a little unsettling, for sure. Thompson didn’t say anything on camera, but his body language was all the confirmation needed. He looked uncomfortable, cautious, and definitely not like a man enjoying a casual stroll.
A Poorly Handled Situation
This wasn’t some deranged threat situation, but it’s a textbook example of how privacy disappears for athletes the second they step out the door. Even with no harm intended, the line between admiration and intrusion gets blurry real quick. Thompson might not be carrying the same superstar glow he had in his prime, but he’s still a massive name, and the cameras don’t forget that.
Despite the awkward episode, Thompson’s focus seems unchanged. After an up-and-down season that saw him average 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists on decent shooting splits (41.2% FG, 39.1% from deep), he’s on a mission to bounce back with the Mavericks.
Dallas has retooled and looks stacked heading into next season. With Kyrie Irving likely missing some early action, Thompson’s leadership and shot-making will be huge. His days as an elite defender might be behind him, but his basketball IQ and playoff experience are exactly what Luka and the Mavs need. Hopefully, Klay’s biggest challenge this season will come on the court, not from fans tailing him like TMZ interns. A little space goes a long way.
