Steve Kerr has benched Klay Thompson for the second consecutive game. TNT commentators Vince Carter and Kenny Smith discussed Thompson’s circumstances in response to the same news. Shaquille O’Neal couldn’t stop smiling after finding out that his fellow panelists had come off the bench throughout their careers, and he eventually teased the two of them.
Vince Carter acknowledged having been in the similar position before, but praised Klay Thompson for handling the role adjustment incredibly well.
“I’ve been in Klay Thompson’s position before. When I got to Phoenix… it was tough to deal with… One thing that Klay said that I really liked he said, like I did, he figured out how to still be the version of himself and he came out and had a big night,” Carter said.
Shortly later, Kenny Smith talked about his benching experience as well. The Jet acknowledged that the role shift was “hurting” him after nine years of service.
Shaq calls the other anchors “Bums” hilariously
Four-time champion and career starter Shaquille O’Neal responded to Carter and Smith in a way that is timeless. Maintaining his image as a haughty person, the Big Aristotle confessed in a funny way that he felt embarrassed to be seated next to “bums.”
“Y’all came off the bench? I’m sitting up here with some bums,” Shaq said.
By their mid-30s, Carter and Smith were no longer producing as much. Carter was moved to the bench during his time with the Phoenix Suns, but he soon adjusted to his new position. In the 2010–11 season, VC scored 13.5 points, pulled down 3.6 rebounds, and disheveled 1.6 assists while playing for the Suns.
However, Smith found it difficult to adjust to the new situation. The guard averaged just 6.3 points and 2.4 assists in the 1996–1997 campaign.