The Dallas Mavericks made a significant move this offseason by signing four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson. The Mavericks General Manager is optimistic that this key addition is precisely what the team needs following their tough loss in the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics.
In an interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio, Mavericks GM Nico Harrison discussed why they chose to bring Thompson to Dallas and stressed the importance of creating a positive team environment. “It’s really about bringing guys in, bringing them to a loving environment, letting guys be themselves within the guidelines that we create,” Harrison explained, highlighting the supportive culture he and head coach Jason Kidd are building.
After watching last season’s Finals, Harrison felt that the Mavericks were very close to success but needed a key player to get them over the top. “Honestly, after the Finals, we felt that we were close. Well, we knew we were close, and, I kind of say this—it has a good ring to it—but we were a Klay away. And we feel like he’s the guy that can take us over the top,” he said. This realization drove the Mavericks to pursue Klay Thompson, whose shooting skills were just what they were missing.
During the Finals, the Mavericks struggled with their three-point shooting, hitting only 31.6 percent from beyond the arc throughout the series. That percentage fell even lower to 28.7 percent when excluding their one home win in Game 4, highlighting the need for a sharpshooter like Thompson.
Klay Thompson’s Experience And Roster Overhaul Are Exactly What The Dallas Mavericks Needed
Harrison also noted Thompson’s championship experience, which he believes will be a major asset for the team. “It’s great to be able to get a guy of his stature, a guy that’s won four championships, a guy that’s played in these environments,” he stated, pointing out the leadership and winning mindset Thompson brings.
Despite facing injuries and being older, Thompson is still an elite shooter. He averaged 18 points per game last season and shot nearly 39 percent from three-point range. His presence alongside stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving is expected to improve the Mavericks’ offense, creating more open shots and driving opportunities. The growth of players like P.J. Washington and the interior threats of Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford will strengthen the Mavericks’ offense.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Beyond signing Klay Thompson, the Mavericks have been busy reworking their roster. The Mavericks traded Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Detroit Pistons for Quentin Grimes and signed versatile wing Naji Marshall to replace Derrick Jones Jr. These moves show the team’s commitment to building a more competitive roster as they aim to bounce back from their recent Finals loss and make a deeper playoff run in the upcoming season.
