Klay Thompson, Mavericks
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Kyrie Irving #11 and Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrate after a score during the second half against the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Center on November 03, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Klay Thompson has been Kyrie Irving’s teammate on the Dallas Mavericks for one season. Despite the short amount of time in comparison to a whole career, the veteran shooter made a bold statement on the star guard.
Thompson joined the Mavericks in the 2024 offseason, moving on from the Golden State Warriors after 13 years. He aspired to be the third option behind Luka Doncic and Irving, looking to help them make that leap as title contenders.
However, it wasn’t to be as the Mavericks traded Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and one first-round pick. Shortly after, Irving tore his ACL, effectively ending Dallas’ chances at a playoff run in the 2024-25 season.
Thompson speak to former player Michael Cooper on the show “Showtime with Cooper”. They discussed multiple topics, including the veteran shooter’s thoughts on playing with Irving. That was where Thompson said that Irving was the “toughest guy” he ever guarded in his career.
“And it’s awesome being his teammate now, because we can talk about those things and try to add to our last chapter in the league together — and add to our legacy,” Thompson said. “We came into the league together — same draft class, 2011 — and I just have great respect for Kyrie. He’s the toughest guy I’ve ever guarded. Put him up there with LeBron, KD, and Kobe — he’s got no weaknesses in his game.”
What Lies Ahead For Klay Thompson, Mavericks
Klay Thompson, Mavericks
GettyAnthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts with his teammates Daniel Gafford #21, P.J. Washington #25 and Klay Thompson #31 in the game against the Houston Rockets at American Airlines Center on February 08, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
Considering all the star players Klay Thompson had the opportunity to play against, naming Kyrie Irving as the toughest one is certainly a bold pick for him to make.
To be fair, the first three NBA Finals of Thompson’s career featured Irving. With the Golden State Warriors, he got to face the star guard at his best on the biggest stage of NBA basketball. It makes sense for him to view the then-Cavaliers guard in that light, having numerous battles from 2015 to 2017.
Now as teammates, they can enjoy the experiences of using their talents to help their team win games together. Even though Irving will be out for most of next season, this provides a chance for them to bond off the court once the 2025-26 season gets underway.
Last season was decent for Thompson, considering it was his first year away from the Warriors. He averaged 14 points, 3.4 rebounds and two assists per game after 72 appearances. He shot 41.2% from the field, including 39.1% from beyond the arc, and 90.5% from the free-throw line.
While the numbers were far from the All-Star numbers he produced with the Warriors, he proved that he can still play a significant role to help any playoff team make noise in the league.
Championship contention is still on the Mavericks’ mind, even after trading Doncic. Barring Irving’s return from his ACL injury, the team should be mainly healthy to start next season.
They possess talent with Thompson, Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, and Cooper Flagg among others. That should be enough for Dallas to be in the playoff picture. But until then, keep an eye on Thompson when it comes to his role once late-October rolls around.