Gilbert Arenas addressed Klay Thompson 's potential with the Mavericks. Arenas stated that Klay Thompson was expected to be the Warriors' second or third-best scorer on any given night, and if he didn't the Warriors would struggle. He doesn't face the same scoring obligation on the Mavericks, which could allow him to thrive there.
"I think because at Golden State, him being great was needed. You know, him being a 20-22 (points per game) type of guy for them was really needed for them to be successful. He doesn't have the pressure of being that guy in Dallas. Klay doesn't need to average 21-22 (points per game)."
"If he does, oh sh*t, but for the most part, that offense is run by two dudes. Him hitting two threes, and a three. Him going off, during this season here and there - he can come in and average 20, and it's going to be less pressure for him though."
"If Klay doesn't average 20, there's two dudes who are still carrying his load right. Him not averaging 20 with Golden State was a losing season. Just that alone, that he doesn't have to be the number two guy carrying the team releases a lot of pressure."
In fairness to Thompson, he was under more pressure on the Warriors, but he was also at the peak of his athletic powers at the time. There is no denying that since his back-to-back knee injuries, he has lost a step. So while Klay isn't required to drop a high score each night, it's because many feel he can't do that regularly anymore.
Klay Thompson Looking For Redemption
Klay Thompson is going to be putting on a jersey that isn't of the Golden State Warriors for the first time in his career next season. After the last few years, since his return from injury, he has been a shell of himself as a player, both offensively and defensively.
Perhaps a fresh start is what he needs. The Warriors fanbase turning on him, along with the treatment he received from the franchise, played a big part in his decision to leave and join the Mavericks instead.
While he is no longer the All-Star caliber player he once was, Thompson is still an effective and efficient scorer. Last season, he averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
Thompson recently spoke about the Mavericks' title chances next season, seeming to be pretty confident that the team could make some noise in the Western Conference going forward.
Thompson being the third option for a stacked Mavericks team could help them take the next step and win the NBA championship. The roster last season couldn't compete with the offensive firepower of the Celtics in the NBA Finals, but Thompson's scoring and playoff experience could help them get over the hump and win the big one.
Related: 2009 NBA Draft Class vs. 2011 NBA Draft Class: Who Would Win In A 7-Game Series?
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