Featured Video
Dray vs. Brooks Scuffle ๐Ÿฟ
Miami Heat v Los Angeles Clippers
Melina Pizano/Getty Images

Klay Thompson Explains Why He 'Feels Young Again' After Joining Heat, Says He's 'Locked In' on Diet

Paul KasabianNov 5, 2026

Miami Heat guard Klay Thompson is loving his time in town after signing a two-year contract with the team last summer, and he explained why in an exclusive interview with Mark Medina for Fadeaway World, which dropped Thursday, noting that the organization makes him "feel young again."

"It's been a tough start to the season," Thompson began. "But I feel like I'm enjoying my time very much. The competitiveness in this organization is second to none. I feel incredible. I feel young again for how hard they train me. I'm inspired that I have great seasons ahead. That's what Miami has done so far. It really has reinvigorated my spirit for the game."

Thompson also said the team is really focusing on his physical health.

"A lot of running and making me accountable for my weight and body-fat percentage. I've locked in on my diet. It's all of those little things that you don't see that allow you to be your best athlete. I really love it. I feel like young again and motivated to be great again."

Thompson (and the Heat) endured a difficult beginning to 2026-27. The 36-year-old averaged just 7.8 points on 31.7 percent shooting over his first five contests. Miami lost its first four games.

However, Thompson has caught fire, averaging 24.7 points on 57.4 percent shooting while hitting 19-of-36 three-point attempts. Miami is now in a groove (three wins in its last four games).

On Wednesday, Thompson knocked down a game-winning three-pointer with one second left in overtime to lead his team to a 117-116 road win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Thompson scored a season-high 30 points, making 8-of-17 threes in his 35 minutes.

The 14-season NBA veteran and five-time All-Star once enjoyed amazing success on the Golden State Warriors, helping his team win four NBA championships and six Western Conference titles.

He has also made an impressive return to action after missing two-plus seasons with a torn ACL (2019-20) and then a torn Achilles (2020-21 and part of 2021-22). Thompson notably helped the Warriors win the 2021-22 championship, averaging 19.0 PPG in the playoffs.

Thompson had a tough season last year with the Dallas Mavericks, posting career-lows in points (11.7 PPG) and field goal percentage (39.3 percent).

However, he's enjoyed a resurgence of late, and it's helped Miami turn its season around after a tough start. It's clear he loves the organization and what it's doing for his career, and that could foreshadow a strong comeback campaign.