The Dallas Mavericks are likely eager for training camp to begin, given that their successful offseason after the team’s march to the NBA Finals the previous year included the stunning signing and trade of Klay Thompson.
Still, some people don’t think the Mavs did a good enough job of giving Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic the backing they need with this acquisition. That kind of view may have some merit, considering that Thompson has already lost considerable step due to aging and severe injuries sustained several seasons prior.
Nevertheless, Dallas seems to be a great fit for the four-time champion’s abilities on both sides of the floor.
Thompson demonstrates his Zeke-End Tournament signing with the Mavericks.
The news that Thompson appeared almost like his old self during an appearance on Zeke-End, a yearly basketball competition hosted by two-time All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas, must also delight the organization and its supporters.
The high-difficulty midrange shots that Klay was known for making in his heyday were evidently sinking. Thanks to the incredible playmaking of Draymond Green and the incredible shot creation of Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors were an offensive force for many years. The addition of Kevin Durant also made it difficult to defend the Warriors for a number of seasons.
However, Thompson’s contribution to Golden State’s characteristic unstoppable offense is sometimes overlooked when discussing the team’s dynasty.
Among his numerous offensive weapons were the ability to deftly handle middie and 3-pointers even with a hand on his face, deftly take perimeter shots off passes, and put the ball on the floor when necessary. And at Zeke-End 2024, the five-time All-Star showed off a few of them.
Dallas is already buzzing with excitement, especially after a virtual Thompson appeared in the viral teaser for NBA 2K25 and scored a long-range basket off an assist from Doncic. When the regular season begins, there will be a lot more of that in real life because Irving and the Slovenian superstar are predicted to start alongside the shooting wing.
Because of his greater offensive gravity and defensive ability to cover elite perimeter opponents, Thompson is a valuable player to have alongside him for P.J. Washington and Dereck Lively II, the other expected starters.