Dallas: 952 games, over 25,000 minutes, four NBA titles, and five appearances to the NBA All-Star Game are astounding statistics.
To put it bluntly, Klay Thompson had 13 fantastic seasons with the Golden State Warriors. The amiable Washington State product, Thompson, 34, is thrilled to have recently signed a three-year contract with the Dallas Mavericks, the 2024 NBA runners-up, and has officially moved on from his stint in the Bay Area.
“Well, brilliance may occasionally be spurred by change, regardless of whether you play basketball, work in business, or are employed in any other field. During Tuesday’s press conference in Dallas to introduce himself and the Mavs’ two other off-season additions, Quentin Grimes—who joined via a trade with Detroit—and Taj Marshall—an undrafted rookie free agency signee—Thompson stated that a change of environment may work wonders.
“While I have the utmost gratitude for my time at Golden State, I feel as though this has given me newfound motivation to excel for the remainder of my career. I was drawn to Dallas because of their young players, their style of play, and the top-notch care this club provides for them. They adore hoops, and the city is lovely.
In 38 career games versus Dallas, Thompson averaged 18.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while playing with the Warriors. But with Sacramento eliminating Golden State in a play-in game to advance to the NBA playoffs in 2024, the former WSU star began to question if his days as a Warrior were over because he was a free agent. He made a straightforward assessment on the players who would play for his new team as he watched the Mavericks win the Western Conference and then fall to Boston in the Finals.
As he watched the Mavs try to win a title in the playoffs, he remarked, “I just saw myself fitting in well with this team and the personnel.” They appear to be enjoying themselves while playing together and supporting one another. That really drew my attention. I’m here because we have a shared interest in it.
Thompson’s presence is anticipated to relieve some of the offensive pressure on Dallas’ gifted pair of Kyrie Irving, a brilliant scorer and cerebral player who helped Cleveland win its first NBA title in 2016, and Luka Doncic, a 25-year-old Slovenian prodigy already regarded as one of the league’s best players.
But adding Thompson to the roster was about more for Mavericks vice president of basketball operations and former NBA player Michael Finley than just what this astute veteran shooter could provide in terms of Xs and Os.
Finley remarked, “We discussed this at dinner; it wasn’t about the basketball.”I’ve spoken with him more about his experience and ability to lead the squad as an experienced player. He can share his expertise and experience with Ky (Irving) and Luka (Doncic), the younger guys. The key is experience. He probably contributes it to the team.
Thompson had a difficult last season at Golden State. A Cougar from 2008 to 2011, Thompson left Pullman with remarkable career averages of 17.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game across 98 career games. He played an average of 29.7 minutes per game during the regular season and had some of his lowest long-range shooting percentages (38.7%) of his career. He moved to the bench in the spring under Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, a decision he took in stride as a genuine professional
Perhaps the most poignant example of how difficult Klay’s previous season was was the way it concluded: a grueling 118-94 defeat at Sacramento in the Western Conference play-in game on April 16. Thompson finished the game with zero points on 0-for-10 shooting, including 0-for-6 from long range, in just over thirty-one minutes.
Thompson stated that while his performance in his final game as a Warrior still “stings,” he prefers to focus on what is ahead in Dallas rather than what might have been at Tuesday’s inaugural media day.
“Yes, being on a new team right now is strange, but I’m embracing it. The fans are really appreciative of the love and support I’ve had from the organization,” Thompson added. “The city exudes a wonderful energy, particularly after winning a championship.” Everyone wishes to overcome the obstacle.
Not many men get the chance to play for 13 years and win a title or championships. I believe we’re in for a fantastic run. There are a lot of expectations, but I like that. As an athlete, you desire it. You want your fan base to know that you want to win, thus you want to put them under pressure. Right now, all I want is to win; I’m not interested in setting any more shooting records. I can’t wait to play basketball and win. Really, it is all that matters.
During the press conference, Thompson even acknowledged WSU, praising a member of the media who was wearing a Cougs hoodie for his excellent wardrobe selection.
The seasoned shooter claimed that it was easy for him to decide to join with the Mavs after considering all of the advantages of moving to Dallas.
Not only was he joining a legitimate contender, but he also couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play with buddy and NBA Hall of Famer Jason Kidd, one of the best point guards in league history, and play alongside Doncic, a player for whom he has the utmost regard.
“My friendship with Kyrie is strong. Together, we joined the league in 2011 and participated in two Team USA games, according to Thompson. Of course, for many years, we competed against one another on the biggest platforms. I’ve always thought Ky’s game was great. It’s good to be on the receiving end of it for once since protecting him is the worst. Witnessing other defenders being smacked around by him will be entertaining.
There is the respect that both Doncic and Thompson have for one another. I told him how much I like his game, how he inspires his teammates, and how much I appreciate his abilities when I saw him at the conclusion of the West finals in ’22. That seems to have struck a chord with him. In loss, he was incredibly polite. I just admire someone who competes to the very end without fear of the moment. Luka is the right person for it. I believe we will maximize each other’s potential.
After living in California for a large portion of his life, Thompson is equally thrilled about moving to Texas. He said he intends to enjoy the state’s renowned barbecue to the fullest, but not too much because he still follows a “serious” diet.
Additionally, he is excited to see live games of the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys. Trayce, his younger brother, was a minor league player for numerous current Rangers as well as the Dodgers. Oh, and he wants to visit some of the greatest lakes in the region on his Boston Whaler boat.
He remarked, “I’m just eager to explore my new city.”
Regarding his play on the court, he believes he still has a lot of his defining competitive fire remaining and that he can reliably add value to the Mavericks’ already excellent roster. “I’m excited to be revitalized here. have a great deal of basketball left in reserve,” he remarked.
