Sports Illustrated names Golden State Warriors Sportsperson of the Year, rare move by magazine

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- The Golden State Warriors are already in exclusive company as back to back NBA champions. They've now joined another elite group thanks to Sports Illustrated.

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"I'm going to show my kids this one day," Klay Thompson said. "I can tell them I was a part of something that was so special, an amazing run you know that rarely comes around in sports."

The Warriors have been named Sports Illustrated 2018 Sportsperson of the Year, a rare move for the magazine.

Only three other teams have received the honor since the magazine's 1954 founding, the Boston Red Sox (2004), U.S. Women's Soccer team (1999) and U.S. Men's Hockey Team (1980). The other honorees have all been individuals.

"To have our team, our whole team, our whole organization given the award is pretty cool," Bob Myers, Warriors General Manager said. "You know what though, it makes sense. I think it might have felt different if it was just one person."

"I don't think it would be like this if this were in another part of the country," Andre Iguodala said.

The Warriors organization thinks it's their connection to community that sets them apart from other teams.

"It's a special honor because we believe we're more than athletes," Thompson said. "We are contributors to our communities, we're active citizens and we want to be great role models."

ABC7 News has seen Thompson's statement in action through various stories covered off of the court.

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"I think when you've been fortunate enough to have some of the success like we've had, you realize the best feelings come from giving back," Myers said. "Whether that's to our fans or to the community."

The Golden State Warriors will be honored at the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year Awards in Los Angeles on December 11th.

More stories, photos and videos on the Golden State Warriors here.