Mavs Step Back Podcast: Kyrie vs. Steph Debate; Plans for Klay Thompson

One of the biggest storylines of the 2024-25 NBA season will be how four-time champion Klay Thompson performs in his first stint with the Dallas Mavericks. Earlier this summer, the longtime Golden State Warriors star decided it was time for a change of scenery by signing signing a three-year, $50 million contract with the Mavs.

On the latest episode of our Mavs Step Back Podcast, we discuss the different ways Dallas will utilize Thompson this coming season. Everyone knows the value Thompson brings from beyond the arc, as he’s sixth on the NBA’s all-time 3-pointers made list, but his off-ball movement, defense against wings, and underrated passing ability will shine in the Mavs’ system as well.

On Monday, former NBA player Nick Young lit social media on fire by starting a Kyrie Irving vs. Stephen Curry debate. Although Curry has the edge when it comes to career accolades, we discuss how Irving can close the gap over these next few years. Curry has four championships, but if Irving can add a second or third title to his mantle, this particular debate will have a lot more substance to it.

Superstar discontent is another topic briefly discussed on this episode. As good as Irving has been as Luka Doncic’s co-star in Dallas, he won’t always be Doncic’s sidekick due to their seven-year age gap. So, when the Irving chapter in Dallas eventually ends, which player could the Mavs target to form another dynamic duo with Doncic in the middle of his prime years? Should we be paying more attention to Doncic’s great friendship with Nikola Jokic and what’s going on with the Denver Nuggets?

Related: Mavs Rival Watch: Luka Doncic Ready to Surpass Nikola Jokic in West Hierarchy?

Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to subscribe to our Mavs Step Back Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube. We’ll be back around the same time next week to discuss the Mavs’ top-five keys to getting back to the NBA Finals.