The Klay Thompson career arc has been an interesting one. As a former lottery pick, expectations were high for what he could achieve in the NBA. However, even the wildest supporters couldn’t have imagined the success that Thompson would have in the league.
A four-time NBA champion, and second-best player in the greatest dynasty of the modern era, Klay is a certified Hall of Famer. However, there is still a sense of drive for the ‘new’ Klay Thompson.
After gruesome ACL injuries, Thompson came back to the league after nearly 1,000 days off. Immediately, his return catapulted the Golden State Warriors to their fourth title in eight years. But, since then, his career has been on a steady decline.
While his individual numbers remain solid, they aren’t translating into wins like before. Instead, his laser-sharp shooting is now erratic, while his defense has taken a major step back. As a result, a pillar of the franchise became expendable for Golden State when considering future plans. That is why he goes into next season as a Dallas Maverick, his first year away from the Bay.
Klay Thompson has a new start in Dallas
Rather than sit on the emotions of his departure from Golden State, Klay Thompson is instead looking forward to a fresh start. As he revealed, the 13-year run came to an end in disappointment. But, rather than focus on the heartbreak, he is looking forward to the joys of basketball with Dallas. During his introductory press conference, the sharpshooter was all smiles as he joins a team fresh off their first Finals Appearance in more than a decade.
“Coming here is just such a fresh start. Feeling just wanted again, like I bring great value, it just gets me excited to go out there and even work out after this press conference and get shots up,” Thompson said. “Yeah, there was times last year where it was tough, where it wasn’t as joyful as it was in the past. It’s nice to kind of shed that and have a whole new fresh start, whole new group of guys to get to know, co-workers, whole new city. It’s really cool, and I’m going to embrace the heck out of this opportunity.”
Both coach Steve Kerr and ‘Splash Brother’ Stephen Curry spoke at length about their admiration for Klay and how much they would miss him. Further, the team made a commitment to have Thompson’s #11 retired one day.
But, for the five-time All-Star, it was clear that his tenure with the team was coming to an end, especially with how his contract negotiations were handled. Despite repeated insurance from Klay, the Warriors did not see him as a priority, even rejecting an offer that would have him playing for less than the MLE.
As a result, meetings with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks came into existence with Thompson eventually choosing the Mavs, where he will wear #31 to honor his childhood hero Reggie Miller.
What can Klay give to Dallas?
The Dallas Mavericks were a 5th seed who took their game to the next level. Throughout the postseason, their defense was top-notch, while the combined brilliance of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving carried them on offense. As a result, the team was able to make it all the way to the NBA Finals. However, there, the role players could not find bottoms on open shots, and they lost in 5. But, they aren’t content with just an appearance.
Instead, the front office and management have done an incredible job of quickly surrounding their two best players with better shooters. That is where the Klay Thompson piece comes in. As a league veteran and 4-time champion, Thompson has ample experience in the postseason. Further, his exploits in the playoffs are already legendary with the famous “Game 6 Klay” moniker.
Simply put, chances of the former Warrior shrinking in the biggest moments remain slim to none. And it is a duty that Thompson recognizes as well. According to him, one of the key reasons for going with Dallas ahead of LA was the chance to put them over the hump.
“I look forward to just kind of being rejuvenated here — a lot of good basketball left in the tank. At this point in my career, I mean, you still can’t leave me open,” Thompson said. “I don’t think you can stick to me as much as you could in the past with guys like Luka and Kai out there. That’s what also was very attractive for me. I’m just excited. I still think I can do what I’ve been able to do, and it’s just about being in the best shape I could possibly be, but I know I can help this team, whether it’s the knowledge I’ve gained or big scoring nights. I just still know I can be a very, very good player in this league.”
It’s clear that Thompson is ready to restart his career in Dallas and shed off the stigma that now comes with his name.
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