Some goodbyes are hard. But for the Chase Center, welcoming Klay Thompon is going to be an emotional moment that occurs tonight. The Golden State Warriors host the Dallas Mavericks in their first In-Season Tournament clash of the season. Apart from the competition harboring intensity, a myriad of emotions are bound to flow. A bona fide icon and one of the integral propellers behind the dynasty, many have made their suspicions about Thompson’s reaction to the reception.

Notably, the Bay have planned a grand welcome for their celebrated shooting guard. Captain hats will be present around the arena to honor his love for sailing. And there obviously, there is the much-awaited tribute video. “We’re going to be very happy to see him. He going to cry. He probably going to bring Rocko to the game… So unfortunately for him, he has to deal with those emotions,” said his teammate of 13 years Draymond Green.

He isn’t the only person who feels Thompson is going to cry. Former Clippers Sixth Man, Lou Williams suspects “There might not be a lot of dry eyes in there,” given the gravitas of the moment. Not only that, but Williams guessed there could be a delay in the start of the game. “Sometimes when you play for a team 3-4 years they give you a video tribute. Much appreciated but this one might run 5-6 minutes. Like no way this game starts on time with all of these tributes and it’s much deserved,” said the Run It Back host.

The most recent tribute fans came across was for Paul George. The Intuit Dome gave him a video on their giant LED screens, yet the atmosphere was hostile. It frustrated George. But both Chandler Parsons and Williams feel not a single chant for Klay Thompson will be derogatory. The Dub Nation will welcome him like he’s still one of them.

“There shouldn’t be. That would be absolutely shameful if this crowd boos him. Spent 13 years there. The things that he did there, the championships that he was a huge part of, Splash Brothers getting invented. I mean this is an absolute legend,” Parsons detailed. Not much else needs to be said about Thompson’s impact on the Bay.

But how is the man of the moment feeling about the approaching reunion?

Klay Thompson promises to stay composed

Many have spoken on behalf of Klay Thompson. But it’s important to understand his personal perspective. As far as his feelings go, Thompson is yet to place any sentiments. “I don’t think I’ll really know until I get there to be honest,” he says. Judging by what he’s shown, Thompson is a man of few emotions.

The tributes and rapturous wave of love from the 18,000 fans can be overwhelming. Having established himself in the Bay, Klay Thompson will feel no different than he does at the American Airlines Center. However, the purpose of his visit is strictly professional. After appreciating everything, he has a job to do.

The Mavericks currently sit at a 5-5 record. Coming off a nervy loss to the Denver Nuggets, Thompson is yet to jump into his shooting rhythm. What better place to do it than where he saw the rim countless times? Familiar with the gym and the ambiance of the arena, the five-time All-Star isn’t worried about his emotions affecting his objective.

“It won’t be that hard, I’m a pro and I know what it takes to win in this league so it won’t be very hard. I know how to turn the page and focus. That’s why I’ve been able to do what I’ve done for 12 healthy seasons, going on 13. Very blessed,” he said about remaining even keel on his return to Golden State.

No matter what, the game with come with varied emotions and a bittersweet tone. A legend is coming back home and the Chase Center can’t wait to celebrate Klay Thompson.