When the Dallas Mavericks acquired Klay Thompson from the Golden State Warriors, few expected him to assume such a central role. Yet, with Luka Doncic now wearing the purple and gold of the Los Angeles Lakers and Kyrie Irving likely sidelined for the entire season, Thompson has stepped into the leadership role the franchise desperately needs. His challenge is not merely to keep the Mavericks competitive in the Western Conference but to elevate them into genuine postseason contention, with the ultimate goal of fighting for a championship.
Although the organization is building its future around young talents like Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis, Thompson’s presence brings invaluable balance. His role is expected to combine mentorship and collaboration, but he has also made it clear that he intends to be more than a secondary piece. For the veteran guard, there is still room to prove he can be a primary weapon on the court while simultaneously guiding younger teammates through the rigors of an NBA campaign.
On the latest episode of the Showtime with Michael Cooper podcast, Thompson spoke candidly about the expectations he places on himself in Dallas.
I gotta lead these guys with my voice. 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
Thompson explained, according to Joey Mistretta.
The Mavericks enter the 2025-26 season with tempered optimism, aware that injuries could once again disrupt their trajectory. Still, Thompson emphasized his renewed energy.
So, I’m really excited. I’m actually gonna go to the gym now. I haven’t been this motivated in years.
That level of determination contrasts sharply with Dallas’ disappointing 2024-25 campaign, when the team failed to advance past the play-in tournament. The Memphis Grizzlies eliminated them, leaving the Mavericks without a postseason berth for the first time since the 2022-23 cycle.
A championship pedigree to guide the way
The Western Conference remains one of the NBA’s toughest landscapes, with multiple franchises retooling to strengthen their bids for a title. For Dallas, combining youth and veteran savvy will be critical, and Thompson represents the bridge between both. After a decorated tenure with Golden State, where he won four championships, the sharpshooter arrives carrying the credibility of someone who knows what it takes to win at the highest level.
Despite his recent history with injuries, Thompson has expressed great confidence in Dallas’ roster, particularly its frontcourt.
AD, when he’s healthy, he is the best power forward, maybe of my generation. And then getting a guy like D-Lo and having guard depth, I’m just really excited.
The Mavericks’ path will be far from easy, but if Thompson fulfills his new leadership role and the roster stays healthy, Dallas could transform from an afterthought into a legitimate Western Conference contender.
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