With the 2024-25 NBA season almost here, everyone has said their piece about Klay Thompson' s departure from Golden State. Well, everyone except former Warriors head coach Mark Jackson .
Jackson was the Warriors' head coach from 2011-2014, and Klay was the first draft pick after Mark was hired. The former Knicks point guard was the head coach who laid the foundation of the Warriors' dynasty team. During his recent appearance on Sway's Universe, 'Action' finally gave his two cents on Thompson leaving Golden State for the Dallas Mavericks .
"I think in the ideal world, Klay Thompson finishes his career with the Golden State Warriors," said Jackson. "But you know how this business is. The loyalty only works one way, and that's not a knock on the Warriors, that's just the way the sports world is. Everybody doesn't get to sign a deal at the end like Derek Jeter. Truth be told, you look back, and they probably should have let him go as great as he was."
The Yankees never traded Jeter
Derek played 20 seasons in Major League Baseball, all with the New York Yankees. He helped the team win five World Series, but like any other all-time great, the 2000 World Series MVP declined with age. However, the Yankees never thought of trading him, valuing his contributions to the franchise.
In 2010, the Yankees gave Jeter, 36, a three-year $51 million deal with an option for a fourth year. Then, in 2014, the Pin Stripes signed Jeter to a $12 million deal in what was the final season of his legendary career. Meanwhile, Klay couldn't agree to a deal with the Dubs, so he left Golden State earlier this summer.
"Klay Thompson is going to be fine," added Jackson. "And it's a great pickup for the Dallas Mavericks. Unfortunately, he didn't end his career with the Golden State Warriors, but that's not the way the world works. I'm proud of Klay Thompson because when we drafted him—and he'd be the first to tell you. I'm proud as a coach and as a friend."
Related: "I wouldn't doubt that at all" - Antawn Jamison said 50-year-old Michael Jordan would be able to compete in NBA
Klay could be the missing piece
In Dallas, Thompson will join a team led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The Mavericks are coming off a season in which they made the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011. However, they came up short against the Boston Celtics. Klay believes he can be the Mavs' missing piece .
"Playing with Luka and Kyrie... That's what was attractive was seeing how especially watching that championship this year, I was really shocked to see the chemistry with the teammates. And at this point in my career, I might not be able to run as fast as I once could or jump as high, but I can still knock down open shots... I think I can be that missing piece for them. The D can't guard Kyrie and Luka; they can't send as many double teams," said Klay.
While it remains to be seen if Klay will get his shooting touch back in Dallas, he brings more than just three-point shooting to his new team. With a 158-game playoff experience and four NBA championships under his belt, there's no question it was a win-win move for the Mavs. And that's why Coach Mark is smiling.
Related: "Losing f***ing sucks" - Kyrie Irving takes blame and gets real about losing the 2024 NBA Finals
Local News
