That demanding manner, even in broadcasts, extends away from the court. When Klay was cited for possession of marijuana at Washington State, Mychal spoke candidly for about two hours on his radio show about how disappointed he was with his son, how his N.B.A. stock might be hurt and about how he and his wife had parented their children.

He also reminds his boys not to go searching for a girlfriend in nightclubs. And to choose friends wisely.

As for the influence her husband might have on her sons, Julie is not so sure.

“That’s to be determined,” she said. “Mychal has tried to lead by example, but they don’t listen. He’s so unassuming in some ways that I don’t think they realize he’s been around this for a long time. I keep going, ‘Why don’t you say the opposite and maybe it will work?’ ”

In some ways, Luke Walton, a Warriors assistant coach, can relate. Most of his professional career with the Lakers came while his father, Bill, was a provocative television analyst. Like Mychal Thompson, Bill Walton was another former No. 1 overall pick for Portland who held himself — and others — to a high standard.

“It was frustrating at times when he would say crazy things about my teammates that made the locker room a little bit uncomfortable,” said Luke Walton, whose father succeeded in drawing the ire of Shaquille O’Neal. “But most of the time it was entertaining.”

As it was with Walton, it is not easy for casual listeners of Thompson to discern the carrot from the shtick. When he was berating his son on the air for the skirmish with the Pacers, Mychal said he was going to cut Klay’s allowance and proceeded to explain how much he allowed for rent and running-around money. If Klay wanted to take a girl out, a deli with a bottle of grocery store wine should do.

“It was a joke,” said Klay, whose finances are handled by a money manager. “But it made for a good story.”