Dallas Mavericks‘ newest star Klay Thompson didn’t have his best moment during a pick-up game. In a clip that is going viral, Klay Thompson can be seen playing at Jordan Lawley’s gym, struggling to make shots against other players. Thompson in the past would make many of these shots without ease, but couldn’t make them this time.
Klay can't even create separation on Uber Drivers
My guy is cooked 💔 pic.twitter.com/dwKm3ySnGG
— 30🅿️roblemz (@30problemz) July 15, 2024
Now, a few things should be noted when discussing this clip. Thompson isn’t playing against random people, as the post above might suggest. In fact, he is playing against some professional players across the world, including former Rice Owls guard Oliver Xu, who plays for the Hong Kong national basketball team.
Secondly, it is important to mention that this is nothing more than a light pick-up game, so Thompson could be taking it easy, as he doesn’t want any injury concerns heading into the NBA season in October with the Mavericks.
But there is some cause for concern as this clip reinforces many of the problems he was facing while playing for the Warriors. Thompson has clearly lost a great deal of his athleticism since his two major injuries. But his shooting also seems to have been impacted in the years since he made his return, and his shooting struggles could be a sign of concern for Mavericks fans in the coming year.
Thompson completed a sign-and-trade move to the Mavs, penning a three-year, $50 million deal with this year’s Western Conference champions. Thompson is being brought in presumably to provide help to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Klay Thompson Gets A Fresh Start
More details about the Warriors’ and Klay Thompson’s failed negotiations came to light. It was believed that Thompson still felt he was the same player he was at his peak, and wanted to be compensated well, pointing to the examples of Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins.
Thompson clearly feels a type of way about the Warriors not honoring his achievements with a big payday. But at the same time, Thompson was negotiating with a new GM in Mike Dunleavy, whereas Bob Myers was the one who offered Green and Wiggins their deals.
Dunleavy has to focus on the future of the franchise and doesn’t have the same emotional attachment or loyalty to the Warriors’ dynastic core that Myers did. Ergo, his decision to let Klay go over money, especially after his poor performances last season, made all the sense in the world.
The Mavericks definitely made sense for Klay, as they are a contending team looking for more support for their star players. And while he may not be able to do it at the same level anymore, Thompson knows what it is like to be a star, and how to play a supporting role on a championship team. Thus, depending on his performance level, Thomspon is really a low-risk, high-reward option for them.
This move could be what Thompson needs to revitalize his career. Last season he averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. The Mavericks could definitely use this level of supplementary scoring behind Doncic and Irving, and Klay could remind fans why he’s considered one of the best shooters in NBA history.
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