Newly signed Klay Thompson has already become a strong proponent of Heat Culture, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald (subscription required). In a series of interviews this week, the 36-year-old wing said he doesn’t view Miami as an easy spot to finish out his NBA career.

“It’s very militaristic out here and the fitness programs are really demanding; that’s what honestly attracted me to here and have that expectation of a deep playoff run,” Thompson told ESPN West Palm Beach. “It’s all about winning [here]. Some people think South Florida is 18 holes and pina coladas but nah, it’s the opposite. It’s an honor to be here.”

Thompson also called the Heat “a very demanding organization,” which appeals to him as a competitor. He reportedly gave back around $9.8MM of his $17.5MM salary in a buyout deal with Dallas so he could join a contender after two years of missing of missing the playoffs. He described the chance to come to Miami as “a match made in heaven.”

“I want to be in an environment that’s super competitive and guys might get uncomfortable at times,” Thompson said. “I love that. I get a whole jolt of energy when I walk in this building and seeing photos on the wall of the championship runs and all the greats who played here. Gives me a new motivation to add a chapter to my legacy.”

There’s more from Miami:

• In the same piece, Jackson states that Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s Milwaukee teams produced elite offensive ratings when he was surrounded by three-point shooters. Along with the addition of Thompson, Jackson notes that Bobby Portis, Andrew Wiggins, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Davion Mitchell all ranked among the top 40 in three-point shooting percentage last season, so there’s a chance for the Heat’s offense to be productive if they can maintain that level.
• Thompson enjoys the comparison to Ray Allen, who also came to Miami late in his career and helped the Heat capture the 2013 championship, Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald writes in a subscriber-only story. “I love Ray Allen. Are you kidding me,” Thompson said in the ESPN Radio interview. “Him and Reggie (Miller) were like the blueprint for my whole off-ball formula. I still watch their footage all the time, and how they got open and how much they moved without the ball. “It gives me chills that I’m even in the same sentence as Ray, because if you told me this my rookie season, I would’ve never believed you.”
• The Heat probably won’t be in a rush to fill their 15th roster spot, Ira Winderman of The Sun-Sentinel states in a mailbag column (subscription required). He points out that Saturday is the deadline to waive and stretch players for the upcoming season, which could create a few opportunities, and some teams have more than 15 standard contracts, so more players will become available before the start of the season.