“Can Klay Thompson Be the Key to Unlocking the Mavericks’ Championship Dreams?”
The Dallas Mavericks are coming off one of their most successful seasons in franchise history, having reached the NBA Finals for the third time and witnessing the continued rise of All-Star Luka Doncic.
A key factor in their success was the improvement in their interior defense. The Mavs bolstered their frontcourt with the additions of Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington, which helped them contest shots in the paint. NBA.com ranked Dallas fifth in opponents’ points in the paint after the All-Star break, and the contributions of Gafford and Washington were pivotal in the team’s deep playoff run.
However, the Mavs’ defensive improvements faltered in the Finals, where they lost in five games to the Boston Celtics. The team’s defense struggled to contain Boston’s offense, and their own offense fell short of matching the Celtics’ scoring. Dallas couldn’t find a reliable third scoring option to support Doncic and Kyrie Irving, with Tim Hardaway Jr. underperforming in the playoffs as his numbers declined significantly.
The addition of Klay Thompson to the Mavericks could be the solution to their Finals shortcomings and scoring issues. Thompson, a four-time NBA Champion and five-time NBA All-Star, brings valuable experience and a “championship pedigree” that stands out among other offseason acquisitions.
NBA insider Shams Charania discussed the 2024 offseason on The OGs Show with hosts Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem, highlighting the Mavericks as one of the winners of the offseason, particularly due to the sign-and-trade acquisition of Klay Thompson.
“When you think about the role Klay Thompson will play, he’s essentially taking over Tim Hardaway’s position,” Charania noted.
Last season, Hardaway Jr. was the team’s third-leading scorer, averaging 14.4 points per game on 40.2 percent shooting. However, his playoff performance was disappointing, averaging just 4.4 points per game and shooting 37.9 percent from the field. His struggles were especially evident in the Finals, where he had three games with zero points.
Thompson is expected to seamlessly step into this role. He averaged 17.9 points per game last season, with a 38.7 percent success rate from beyond the arc. This transition should be smooth, as Thompson moves from being the second option in Golden State to the third option in Dallas.
“I think Klay will fit perfectly as the third option and someone they can rely on,” Charania said. “With his championship pedigree, I think the Mavericks had a significant offseason.”
Thompson’s addition is expected to alleviate pressure on Doncic and Irving, allowing him to thrive in an offense that desperately needs a third scoring option. His off-the-ball movement will be a valuable asset for the Mavs, making him an elite weapon in their offensive arsenal.