Klay Thompson is getting ready for his first season with the Dallas Mavericks by immersing himself within the crew’s historical past and tradition, writes Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoop Journal. That have continued Saturday on the Dirk Nowitzki Basis Tennis Traditional, the place Thompson participated alongside franchise legends reminiscent of Nowitzki, Steve Nash and J.J. Barea.
“It’s an important alternative to be part of this and sort of get myself ingratiated into all the things,” Thompson mentioned. “I grew up watching Dirk and Steve, so I’ve nice respect for these guys. I simply wished to get a really feel for town, and it’s enjoyable to be out right here. Tennis is a good sport. I’m simply excited to play at this time and hopefully hit some good photographs.”
At age 34, Thompson is starting a brand new part of his profession after agreeing to a cope with Dallas this summer time and being acquired in a fancy six-team trade. He gained 4 titles with the Warriors and is relying on persevering with that success with the Mavericks after their run to the NBA Finals final season.
In accordance with Afseth, Thompson’s efforts to bond along with his new teammates included a ship journey to Catalina Island.
“We had an important crossing; the water was lovely that day, the solar was out, and it was superior,” Thompson mentioned. “We did loads of enjoyable issues, whether or not it was diving off the boat, driving jet skis, or simply swimming to shore. It was such a wonderful day, and I feel these moments as teammates are those you cherish for all times. Now it’s go time, so we don’t have as a lot leisurely time to do this, however I’ll cherish that reminiscence without end. That’s the fantastic thing about being a veteran—attempting to indicate the youthful guys one other facet of life that we don’t get to expertise as a lot as soon as the season begins. In order that was actually, actually enjoyable.”
“Go time” contains the beginning of coaching camp in a pair weeks, main right into a season the place the Mavericks are anticipated to as soon as once more be title contenders. Thompson brings one other aspect to the crew as one of many high three-point shooters in NBA historical past, and he figures to get loads of open appears to be like taking part in alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Although Thompson’s sport has declined considerably resulting from age and a pair of significant accidents, he stays a prolific exterior shooter that opposing defenses must account for. He averaged 17.9 PPG in 77 video games for the Warriors final season whereas connecting at 43.2% from the sector and 38.7% from three-point vary.
To study extra concerning the Mavericks franchise, Thompson watched movies of the 2011 championship crew that shocked the Warmth within the Finals. He marveled on the chemistry that group displayed and hopes to emulate it this season.
“I’m excited; it’s a complete new chapter of my profession that has the potential to be actually particular,” he mentioned. “The crew was so shut final 12 months — three wins away from a championship — so I do know we’ve got the elements for achievement. We simply have to remain collectively and construct week by week. I do know we will do one thing particular, and that’s why I’m right here early, simply to get a really feel for town and the lay of the land. And I’m having enjoyable whereas doing it.”
