Mavericks' Klay Thompson on Joining Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving: 'We Can Win A Championship’
At 34 years old, Klay Thompson might not be the same level star he was in his prime years with the Golden State Warriors, but he’s still an exceptional 3-point marksman who knows how to be a supplemental piece for a championship contender.
During an appearance at the Hometown Favorites weekend, the new Dallas Mavericks star answered questions about his fit alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, and his team’s chances of winning a championship this coming season.
"Me playing with Luka and Kyrie: that's what was attractive (in free agency). Especially watching that championship series, I was really shocked to see the chemistry with the (Mavs) teammates,” Thompson said.
“And at this point in my career, I might not be able to run as fast as everyone or jump as high, but I can still knock down open shots."
After watching the Mavs lose to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, Thompson knew Dallas was the best fit for him. The Mavs’ defense was solid in the Finals, but the offense outside of Doncic and Irving was lacking. Thompson’s elite 3-point shooting changes that equation.
"I think I can be that missing piece for them. The (defense) can't guard Kyrie and Luka, they can't send as many double teams, they gotta worry about playing backside,” Thompson said.
"And with Dereck Lively, (that) was super attractive. And (Daniel) Gafford, they're so good at catching lobs and finishing at the rim. When you see a big man coming (to set a) screen for you, the defense has to come out, and when they're at the (3-point line), that will create a mismatch for the big man, and I hope I can be right there and take those shots from the perimeter."
The Mavs were already knocking on the door of their second championship in franchise history without Thompson. Now, they’ll have a real chance to open that door and cross the threshold.
"I think we have a chance to do something really special," Thompson concluded, "and win a championship."
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