Kyrie Irving believes Klay Thompson's arrival can lead to a championship

The Dallas Mavericks bounced back from their NBA Finals defeat against the Boston Celtics by acquiring Klay Thompson in free agency. In doing so, Dallas added a four-time NBA champion to their rotation. That level of experience will elevate the locker room, especially during what the franchise undoubtedly hopes will be another deep playoff run.

When speaking during a media day news conference on Monday, Kyrie Irving praised the addition of the sharpshooter. He believes that Thompson's addition could help the Mavericks achieve their goal of becoming NBA champions.

“If you ask any of us, we feel like we got better as a team,” Irving said. “We got better as a group that has leadership and also experience, especially on that championship stage ... It’s easy to convince Klay to come here because of what I have experienced thus far in the past year and a half of just being welcomed and embraced. Southern hospitality is real. This team does a great job of protecting you not just on the court, but off the court. They go out of their way to make sure you feel special ... I feel like our dreams can be possible because he’s here now, and he’s added some great value to our championship aspirations."

Thompson is a career 41.3% shooter from three-point range. Even at this late stage in his career, he can still be an elite threat off the catch, especially when coming off screens and squaring his hips with a chasing defender. He is also a valuable defender when tasked with guarding bigger, stronger opponents.

Irving and Doncic came close to winning a championship last season. However, the Mavericks fell short at the final hurdle. Thompson knows what it takes to win at the highest level and has experience in overcoming the Celtics in the NBA Finals, having won at their expense in 2022. When you factor in his relationship with Irving and his desire to compete for championships, his decision to join the Texas-based franchise makes sense.

"There is no question, Kyrie Irving is one of the players and peers that Klay Thompson really, really, really respects," Marc Stein said during a recent appearance on the DLLS Mavs podcast. "And that was a huge factor for the Mavs, because it's always great when players can be the advocates for your free agency push...When a peer pitches you, it just resonates more strongly many more times than not."

Dallas will face a battle to get back to the NBA Finals next season. However, with Thompson in its ranks and the improved floor spacing he will provide, it's as well-positioned as any other team in the Western Conference.

The front office and fanbase have Irving to thank for Thompson's arrival. Now, though, Thompson must prove he's still capable of elevating a team to the next level.