When the Dallas Mavericks trade for Klay Thompson from the Golden State Warriors, the main plan was for him to be an off-ball shooter along with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. A season later, Doncic is now with the LA Lakers, and Irving is reported to miss the entire season.
The Mavericks are now built around Anthony Davis and rookie Cooper Flagg, with Thompson set to take on an expanded role. On Saturday's episode of the "Showtime with Michael Cooper Lakers Podcast," Thompson said he is ready to be more of a leader.
"I gotta lead these guys with my voice,” Thompson said (per Joey Mistretta). “I never really did that back in Golden State, so now I have a different calling to use my championship knowledge and show these guys it's a journey. ... We just gotta peak at the right time.”
He admitted that it won't be easy to reach the final goal with a squad that may struggle to stay fit all year, but Klay Thompson is locked in.
"So, I'm really excited. I'm actually gonna go to the gym now. I haven't been this motivated in years."
In the 2024-25 season, Dallas only made the play-in, winning its opener being knocked out by the Memphis Grizzlies in the second game. The loss ended its season and marked the Mavericks' first playoff miss since 2022-23.
This year, expectations are higher, with the team seeming to be more competitive in a stacked Western Conference - and Thompson bringing four championship rings from his Golden State run.
Speaking on the "Showtime" podcast with Michael Cooper, The fourth-time NBA champion reflected on the team's busy offseason. He loved what he saw with the Mavs Roster, appreciating Anthony Davis, who is in the first year of a three-year, $175,369,698 extension he signed with the LA Lakers before he got traded.
"I mean, AD when he's healthy, he's the best power forward, maybe of my generation," Thompson said. "I mean, you've been able to see him up close with the Lakers. He is a two-way force. I mean, there's not many big men who can do what he does as far as his handle, his blocking shot ability, his freaking jump shot.
He added:
"I think we personally have the best frontcourt in the NBA. We're healthy, like we have so much depth in the front court between playing with Kyrie Irving and his leadership, PJ (Washington), Coop (Flagg), (Daniel) Gaff, D-Live, and AD. And then getting a guy like D-Lo and guard depth, I'm just really excited."
Klay Thompson also could not believe that he is the oldest player on the Dallas Mavericks squad next season. Thomson was surprised by how fast time passes, but he is prepared to be the guiding light for the team's potential championship run next season.