Klay Thompson’s ideal fit makes the Dallas Mavericks more formidable than ever.
The Dallas Mavericks are coming off one of their most successful seasons ever, reaching the NBA Finals for the third time in franchise history and showcasing the growth of All-Star Luka Dončić. A key factor in their success was an improvement in interior defense. By adding players like Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington, the Mavs bolstered their ability to contest shots in the paint, earning a fifth-place ranking in opponents’ points in the paint after the All-Star break. These acquisitions significantly contributed to their deep playoff run.
Despite their defensive improvements, the Mavs faced challenges in the Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics in five games. Dallas struggled to contain the Celtics’ diverse offensive attack, and their own offense fell short, with no third reliable scoring option emerging alongside Dončić and Kyrie Irving. Tim Hardaway Jr., the team’s third-leading scorer during the regular season, experienced a notable slump in the playoffs, averaging just 4.4 points per game with three scoreless games in the Finals.
Enter Klay Thompson, whose arrival is expected to address the Mavs’ scoring issues. As a four-time NBA Champion and five-time All-Star, Thompson brings a wealth of experience and a championship pedigree. NBA insider Shams Charania highlighted Thompson’s impact on the 2024 offseason, noting that his addition, via a sign-and-trade, could be a game-changer for the Mavs.
Charania emphasized that Thompson will step into a role similar to Hardaway’s but with greater effectiveness. Last season, Thompson averaged 17.9 points per game and shot 38.7 percent from beyond the arc. His transition from being the second option with Golden State to the third option in Dallas should be smooth, and his presence is expected to alleviate some of the scoring pressure on Dončić and Irving.
With Thompson’s shooting ability and championship experience, the Mavericks are poised for an exciting season, and Mavs fans can look forward to a boost in their offensive capabilities.
