After 13 years with the Golden State Warriors, four-time champion Klay Thompson left the franchise that drafted him in the offseason. The 34-year-old joined the Dallas Mavericks, fresh off an NBA Finals loss to the Boston Celtics. While Thompson has regressed over the last few years, he is still a good player with championship experience. Many viewed him as a good fit next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Through 23 games, the Mavericks are 15-8 and own the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. Furthermore, Dallas is currently on a six-game winning streak. However, in spite of the team’s success, Thompson’s play has been inconsistent and uninspiring overall. This has led to some questioning his fit with the team, including some notable figures in the NBA.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, one Eastern Conference exec called Thompson “an awkward fit” in Dallas. Furthermore, the exec noted that Derrick Jones Jr., who joined the Los Angeles Clippers over the summer, played better for the team.
“Klay has been an awkward fit so far,” an Eastern Conference executive said. “Derrick Jones [who left for the Clippers in free agency] shot the ball better and played better D for them last year.”
On the season, Thompson is averaging 12.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 19 games played. Furthermore, he is shooting 38.1% from the field and 36.8% from the three-point line.
NBA Exec Reveals Brutal Take On Klay Thompson’s Dallas Mavericks Fit
Klay Thompson’s Full Potential May Not Be Revealed Until the Playoffs
Conversely, an NBA scout said Thompson “has been fine.” Furthermore, they noted that the former Warriors star will make a bigger impact in the playoffs, ultimately proving his full worth when the lights are brightest.
“Klay has been fine,” one scout said. “His impact will be determined in the postseason, and if he has a few big games, then no one will remember what he shot from 3 in November.”
The Mavericks, barring a monumental collapse, should sit comfortably in the playoff picture when the end of the season comes around. With Golden State, Thompson has established himself as a playoff hero. Thompson played an essential role in the team’s four most recent championships. If he can stay healthy at the end of the season, Thompson will have a great opportunity to continue building his playoff resume.
The Last Word
Thompson is having a bit of a down year. However, there is still plenty of time for him to turn things around. The team is playing great on the court and went 4-0 in the four games Thompson has missed. If Thompson can get into a rhythm and even slightly resemble his old self, the Mavericks will be in a good position to make another NBA Finals appearance.
