Klay Thompson talks his Instagram-famous dog, Rocco

When Klay Thompson's dog, Rocco, saw the 'Rocco Shoe' released this week that he inspired, according to the Warriors player, he had a very dog-like reaction.

He probably wanted to chew it, Thompson said.

"Nah, I'm just kidding," he said. "He's good."

The two-time champ spoke on behalf of The Thompson Family Foundation's partnership with Opus Bank. Thompson said that through the foundation, he hopes to give back to kids in Southern California, the Bay Area and the Bahamas.

"Without them - my mother, my father, Trayce and (Mychel) - I would not be where I am today and this tradition, to be able to give back," Thompson said. "My mom gave us all her time as children, that's why I was able to play different sports and go to practices, and my dad also taught me fundamentals. I learned from them the most, and that's what inspired me to create this foundation with the fam. Just to try to give back my time, especially for the youth."

Then, he talked about his beloved pet dog, who has nearly 40,000 followers on Instagram.

Do you really go home and celebrate with Rocco after every game?

I mean, I wouldn't call it a celebration. We kinda just kick it and it's kinda routine, but just celebrate life, whether it's watching film, playing Call of Duty. Just his company alone, he's a great companion. That's why I love Roc. I've had him since my rookie year, so as my career has gone forward, he's been there every step of the way.

Yeah, I celebrate with him every night after a win. It's nothing crazy, it's just more hanging out on the couch, watching our favorite shows or something.

Did you ever think getting a dog would lead to all of this?

I never envisioned this, but he's been a big part of my life, so he's a great guy, a great dog. Never really envisioned this, but it's pretty cool. I mean, especially with Anta, the shoe is pretty cool. He's one of many shoes, so not to downplay it, but I never really envisioned it happening, but it's really cool. It shows I can put my personal life into my career and profession, as well.

Did you ask for a Rocco shoe or how did that happen?

It was kinda like a mutual idea, really. I talk about what's big in my life, family, basketball, golf, I'm trying to come out with an Anta golf shoe as well. Anta let me have a lot of artistic freedom. I was like man, why not give my dog a shoutout? He's been a big part of my life. I feel like there's a lot of dog lovers out there too, so I thought that'd be great for them as well. I've loved animals my whole life, so it's kinda like mutual idea we both came up with. Pretty cool. The shoe got a great response too. It was pretty great.

What was your reaction to the finished product and did Rocco have any reaction?

Rocco probably wanted to chew it like he does with any other shoe. Nah, I'm just kidding. He's good. But it was cool. I liked the color, the lightish brown. It's comfortable. The texture's cool too. I like it. I don't want to be a hater, Rocco, sorry, but it's not my favorite KT3. It's probably top three, top four.

Did you ever get to see real Rocco's reaction to your birthday cake?

He just sniffed it. I was surprised he didn't want to eat it, the delicious cake in there. He just sniffed it and looked at it a little confused. Not too crazy. I feel like it takes a lot to faze Rocco. He's got great composure - the bulldog in him.

Do fans ever send Rocco crazy gifts?

I've gotten good gifts, a bone, a cookie, nothing crazy. I've gotten some good Rocco art, though. People got the talent out there. I got a few things at the Shopkicks event last week, so yeah, I've got some good stuff. I keep a lot of stuff because my dad did the same thing and he showed us, and I was like wow, he's got real fans, so hopefully that can validate my skill to my kids one day, be that or an old geezer that lives in the past, so yeah, I keep it, though.

Do you ever play 1-on-1 with Rocco?

That is actually a funny question. He's a great dude to do dribbling drills with. He's a ball hog. Something about him and leather, whether it's a football or basketball, it makes him go crazy. Football, basketball, skateboard, I'm like man, should I train him better? I think it's just any breed where he wants to pop that ball so bad. He's great to do dribbling drills with.

He's a good defender?

He really is. It's pretty funny. It's football or basketball, that guy is a ball hog.

How many different outfits does Rocco have?

He's probably got like three. Maybe three. A couple Halloween fits and one Anta fit. It's all he really needs.

How long will it be before Rocco becomes more famous than you are?

How long will it be? Man, he's gotta get a commercial or something, so I'll take agency on that too so I'll take whatever percentage. Rocco could be in a commercial, maybe like a PetSmart or something, I don't know. Then he could claim that throne. Meanwhile, you've got a ways to go young fella.

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