Tristan Thompson is making moves off the court that are just as impressive as his rebounds. The veteran NBA big man recently opened up about how he got in on the ground floor with Anthropic, the AI powerhouse behind the Claude chatbot—and his story is pure Silicon Valley meets the hardwood.

"It was a buddy of mine in Silicon Valley," Thompson shared. "Just going to a couple of these dinners they were doing with the NBA, sitting there talking to these guys and really picking their brains."

For a player known for his hustle on the court, Thompson showed the same drive in the boardroom. He listened closely as tech insiders painted a picture of the future. "They were telling me about the future of AI and technology," he recalled. "I was like, 'Hey man, I like what you're talking about.'"

When you're a professional athlete with a network that spans both sports and tech, opportunities come knocking—but you still have to answer the door. Thompson did just that. "It was a bunch of SF guys and everyone kept telling me, so I was like, 'Alright man, here's a check. I wanna get in the game.'"

That initial investment opened doors Thompson hadn't even imagined. "From there they just opened up so much for me. I was able to get in early through SPVs and bring in my other buddies to make a bigger check."

It's a savvy play from a player who clearly understands that the game isn't just played on the court anymore. Whether you're investing in AI startups or upgrading your gear for the season, the principle is the same: get in early, stay smart, and surround yourself with people who know the game.