D’Angelo Russell is fired up about finally sharing the court with Klay Thompson. On the Backyard Podcast, the Mavericks guard said playing alongside the veteran sharpshooter feels like a video game and promised their partnership will bring out the best in both of them.
“I can’t wait to play with f**king Klay. That sh*t’s like 2K to me,” said Russell. “Dallas just made itself known. I was gonna play open gym, and they said ‘Klay’s gonna be there’ and I’m like ‘Hell yeah.’ We didn’t get a chance to play with each other in Golden State… but he knows who I am.”
Russell has played with many legends in his career, including LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. With the Mavericks, however, they’ve developed a powerful synergy that Russell says is bringing out his best.
“I know what you’re gonna do for my game, but for you to know what I’m gonna do for your game? We’re locked,” Russell added. “We have players where we’re on the court and I’m thinking ahead of him.”
It’s a pivotal season for the Mavericks as they look to validate the trade that shocked the entire basketball world. Losing Luka Doncic was a major blow, but the combination of Russell, Thompson, Cooper Flagg, and Anthony Davis may be enough to keep them afloat and defend their status as one of the best teams in the West.
Russell and Thompson were teammates during the 2019-20 season, and that’s where they caught a brief glimpse into each other’s routine. Unfortunately, Klay Thompson never got to play that season as he was recovering from a torn ACL. Before he got a chance to return, Russell was traded by the Warriors in a deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and that was where most thought their story would end.
Over the years, Russell has wandered from the Timberwolves to the Lakers and back to the Nets in search of his new NBA home, and he hopes the Mavericks will be the right fit. So far, the signs are looking good, and things are trending in a positive direction.
Today, with Klay and Russell reunited once again, there is real optimism about what they might do together. Russell, in particular, will get a chance to shine with Kyrie Irving still working his way back. One way or another, the young guard will play a prominent role for the Mavericks, and he’ll be a crucial member of the backcourt.
As for Klay, his best days are likely behind him now after two major injuries, but his natural talent and championship experience will always remain. With averages of 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game last season, he’s proven he can still contribute, and there’s a lot he can teach his younger teammates.
The Mavericks’ roster looks different without Luka Doncic, but Russell’s excitement about his chemistry with Thompson could be the spark Dallas needs. If the backcourt clicks the way he envisions, the Mavs might not just survive in the West, they could thrive.
