Klay Thompson enters his second season in Dallas having lived several basketball lifetimes. Joining the Mavericks last season brought fresh energy to the future-hall-of-famer’s career, a chance to reinvent
his status on a contending team. After injury and turmoil marred his end with the Golden State Warriors, the four-time NBA Champion arrived in Dallas to prove he could still be vital to a premier team in the league.
That potential was stripped from last season, sent packing to California and the other team courting Thompson in the summer of 2024. Lottery luck in Dallas has recouped some of that energy around the Mavericks organization. And Klay Thompson, entering his 13th playing season (15th NBA season), can play a unique role for a team with lots of questions.
Big Question
When Thompson arrived in Dallas, there were questions about his place in the rotation. The Mavericks, after losing in the NBA Finals, needed someone who could stretch defenses away from the lane for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Nico Harrison’s vision of winning basketball now fully centers on defense. And it’s left a log jam. Outside of the awaited return of Kyrie Irving, there is argument to be made the team’s best players — Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis, PJ Washington, Dereck Lively II, Naji Marshall, Daniel Gafford — all play one of two positions. So how do you manage your best five when four of them are from this group?
Jason Kidd will have decisions to make. Does he sit Flagg, Washington, or Lively, in an effort to secure more shooting from Thompson? Or does he buy fully into the ultra-big, ultra-athletic, and possibly perimeter-deficient lineup of Flagg, Washington, Davis, Lively and newly acquired D’Angelo Russell? If it’s the latter, how does Thompson handle what could be a reduced role in his second season in Dallas, when he likely has just a few competitive years left?
To Thompson’s credit, he was a model veteran throughout the tumultuous back half of last season. His leadership and zen-like approach to the drama was a stabilizing force on and off the floor. But does his patience wane if things turn south again?
Best Case Scenario
Thompson was durable last season. He started all 72 games he appeared in, averaging 14 points, 3.4 rebounds and two assists while connecting on 39-percent of his seven threes per game. Since his two-season absence due to injury with the Warriors Klay has been relatively healthy, appearing in 69 or more games the last three seasons.
Dallas will need that same stability from the veteran this year. Not just because injuries are a concern with several other key players, but also because the shooting Klay provides can’t be found in many other places on the depth chart. Last season, Thompson’s 39-percent at 7.7 attempts per game was only matched by Irving, who likely won’t be around until the second half of the season. The others who were fair-to-good from three were shooting at a lower volume. Whether it be in the starting/closing lineup or coming off the bench, Thompson’s shot will need to fall for this team to be an honest threat from deep.
Beyond his shooting, Thompson’s greatest asset is his leadership. He’s already proved that value, hosting a team bonding camp of sorts in early September ahead of training camp. On and off the floor, vocal or not, his guidance and experience as a proven multi-time champion is invaluable, especially as Flagg makes Dallas his own. If he can combine that with a similar stat line and availability to last season Thompson will have served well in Dallas.
Worst Case Scenario
Beyond injury, a worst case in Dallas for Thompson would be in a shifting role and the possible friction that follows. It was evident in his final season with the Warriors and what led to his eventual departure. There isn’t the same history in Dallas that he had with Golden State, where he was trying to prove and recapture his peak form. So it is possible that any shift in role may not cause the same tension.
But Thompson is also the most accomplished player on the roster. And with thought also carries a presumed role and respect. He has clearly stated that winning and competing for championships are the ultimate goal. So it is worth watching how the beginning of the season develops. If the team is struggling and Thompson’s role is inconsistent, it’s possible Kidd has a chemistry challenge on his hand. In this worst case scenario it wouldn’t be shocking if Thompson’s production dips or if he demands a trade out.
Season Goal
Thompson shared a personal goal during the Mavericks’ Media Day on September 29: “I would like to join the 50-40-90 club. That’d be nice. You know, that’s hard to do. Some might say that’s real ambitious, but you got to have big goals if you want to be great,” Thompson stated, aiming to shoot 50-percent from two, 40-percent from three, and 90-percent from the free-throw line — and admittedly lofty ambition that’s only happened 14 times in the NBA by just nine players. Klay’s drive is undeniable, and he has the efficiency to accomplish this. Hopefully that same mentality is picked up by the rest of the roster.
Overall
Klay is an asset to this team. There are plenty of question marks hanging over this roster, but Thompson’s experience navigating the ups and downs of a franchise well over a decade could prove invaluable. And if the team can find ways to stay competitive while awaiting the return of Irving, Thompson’s basketball IQ will be key. Of anyone on the roster Cooper Flagg could learn from, Klay should be the one. His work ethic, drive, and expertise as a shooter are the kinds of things Flagg should pull from as he develops this season. If this season is successful for the Mavericks it will be because of Thompson reminding the league why he has been one of the greats of this era.
