EXCLUSIVE: Mavs' O-Max Builds Chemistry with Klay: 'He Wants To Win A Championship'

Just days after being seen with his Dallas Mavericks teammate Dereck Lively II at a WNBA game, Klay Thompson participated in Rico Hines' private runs in Los Angeles with second-year forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper.

After being selected with the 24th pick in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft, Prosper appeared in 40 games for the Mavs and 24 games for Dallas' G League affiliate, the Texas Legends. Although he didn't get much playing time with the Mavs, the versatile 6-8 forward showcased his potential with the Legends, averaging 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks while shooting 51.2 percent from the floor overall and 42.5 percent from deep.

During the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Prosper took some time to talk with us about how excited he was to learn from four-time NBA champion Thompson.

"I think (our summer pickups are) great for us. I mean, Klay Thompson is still one of the best shooters in the NBA, and you can't leave him open still," Prosper told DallasBasketball.com.

"I know he's getting older, but he's a great addition. He's a guy that's going to stretch the floor for us. He wants to be here. He wants to be in Dallas. He wants to win a championship."

Although Prosper isn't guaranteed a spot in head coach Jason Kidd's rotation during the 2024-25 season, he'll still be learning from Thompson in practices and watching him from the sidelines. As seen in the clip above, Prosper's already getting a headstart on building chemistry with Thompson.

"I think having him on our team as another laser sharpshooter, he's going to come in and be a great addition. And also, he's won it all. He's a vet," Prosper told DallasBasketball.com.

Related: Mavs' Klay Thompson on Joining Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving: 'We Can Win A Championship’

"(Klay has) been through the grind and everything. So all his knowledge and everything that he can bring to this team is super exciting."

For a player like Prosper, who just turned 22 years old in July and has his entire career ahead of him, what a luxury it must be to have the opportunity to be a sponge, soaking in the knowledge that Thompson, Luka Doncic, and Kyrie Irving will provide.