How Will the Warriors Legend Fare in His New Texas Home?
After an illustrious career with the Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson is embarking on a new chapter with the Dallas Mavericks. As one door closes, another opens, bringing with it a host of bold predictions for Thompson’s upcoming season in Dallas.
Despite being 34 years old and past his prime, Thompson remains a valuable asset for a contending team. Last season, he didn’t meet his usual standards but still averaged 17.9 points per game on 43.2% shooting, including a 38.7% three-point percentage in 29.7 minutes per game. These numbers indicate he can be an effective third option for the Mavericks.
Part of Thompson’s decline might be attributed to off-court distractions. According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Kendra Andrews, Thompson felt disrespected when the Warriors didn’t offer him an extension after their 2021 title win. The situation worsened when Golden State only discussed shorter contracts the following summer, unlike the four-year deal Draymond Green received.
“Thompson did little to hide his feelings once the season started, and his actions increasingly became difficult to manage, exasperating even his loyalists in the locker room, sources said,” Shelburne and Andrews wrote. “He had several emotional meetings with Warriors coach Steve Kerr — a marked contrast from the days when Kerr dubbed him a ‘zero maintenance’ star.”
Thompson’s contract issues likely contributed to a season he’d rather forget, marking the first time he scored under 20 points per game since 2013-14. However, with a fully guaranteed three-year, $50 million deal from the Mavericks, he should be in a better frame of mind. Will this new contract inspire a resurgence in his performance?
Thompson Will Shoot at Least 42% from Long-Range
With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving handling the ball, Thompson will thrive as a catch-and-shoot threat on the perimeter. Defenses will focus on Doncic and Irving, giving Thompson more open looks. Unlike in Golden State, where he was heavily relied upon, Dallas will provide him with more opportunities for efficient scoring.
Thompson Will Elevate Doncic and Irving’s Game
Doncic and Irving form one of the NBA’s most dynamic backcourts, but they’ve lacked a reliable third option. Tim Hardaway Jr. was traded after playoff struggles, and P.J. Washington is still unproven. Thompson’s presence will not only provide scoring but also help conserve the energy of Doncic and Irving, particularly in crucial playoff moments.
Doncic is particularly excited about this new partnership. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported, “My understanding is Luka is really ecstatic. I know that the people who are over on this side of the pond are awfully excited about this.”
Thompson’s impact will be most significant in the playoffs. If he can maintain a scoring average of 17-20 points per game from mid-April onwards, it could be the key to Dallas’s championship aspirations.
Thompson: The Missing Piece for a Mavericks Championship
Doncic demonstrated last season how far he can take the Mavericks with some help. Now, with Thompson’s addition, Dallas gains a veteran sharpshooter with a championship pedigree. The combination of Doncic’s playoff heroics and Irving’s remaining prowess positions the Mavericks as serious contenders.
The Western Conference remains competitive, but the addition of Thompson provides the extra firepower Dallas lacked against deeper teams like the Boston Celtics. Health will always be a factor, but Thompson is poised for a resurgence in Dallas, potentially leading them to an NBA title.