Klay Thompson Q&A and Interview Video After First Mavericks Practice at Training Camp

Klay Thompson has officially kicked off his first training camp with the Dallas Mavericks, and the energy on Day 1 was palpable. After spending his entire NBA career with the Golden State Warriors, Thompson is now navigating a new system, a new environment, and new teammates. For the four-time NBA champion, the transition to Dallas feels like transferring to a new school, complete with the nerves and excitement that come with it.

During his first media session at camp, Thompson opened up about the challenges and excitement of joining a new team after spending over a decade in Golden State. He acknowledged that even for a seasoned veteran like himself, adjusting to a new setting brings a rare set of emotions—nerves included. But with high expectations for both himself and his new team, Thompson is embracing the process as he learns the Mavericks’ defensive schemes and acclimates to a fresh start in a familiar league.

Thompson also spoke about the similarities between the systems in Dallas and Golden State, noting that the adjustments won’t be as daunting as some might think. Yet, the 33-year-old understands that this training camp is one of the most important of his career, as he aims to solidify his role and contribute to a team with championship aspirations.

Here is Klay Thompson’s full Q&A with the media after his first practice:

Reporter: How did that first day work out for you?

Klay: “It was great. Felt good to get the nerves out, learn the defensive schemes, and just have a ton of fun. It really felt great to compete, go up and down, and work with the coaching staff.”

Reporter: When you say “get the nerves out,” what do you mean? The nerves from being on a new team?

Klay: ”Yeah, new team, new setting, new environment. It feels like transferring schools, so it’s a feeling you want to embrace because it’s so rare. Getting those butterflies as a player is awesome.”

Reporter: Where do you see the potential for this team?

Klay: “I mean, a similar result to last year, but even better. That’s why I’m here. I was attracted to the chance to win again. That’s the goal of the team this season, to obviously win a championship. Right now, my goal is just to have an amazing training camp.”

Reporter: You were in one system for a long time in Golden State, and while a lot of NBA terminology is similar, how different or similar are the two systems after your first practice?

Klay: ”Yeah, they’re very similar. There are just a few tweaks that are different. But as far as defensive rotations and schemes, they’re very much alike. Whether it’s the ball handler at the top or on the sidelines, it won’t be a huge adjustment period for me.”

Reporter: You said yesterday that this would be one of the most important training camps for you. Is that weird, given that you’ve done 12 or 13 of these?

Klay: ”Uh, no, not really. Just because of how new everything is and having to learn a new system, it’s not an overstatement. I think it’s true, and I’m approaching it that way. If I do, I’ll come out of this in a great position after some pickup games and half-day sessions.”

Reporter: What’s it like playing with Luka Dončić now, as opposed to against him?

Klay: ”Oh man, Luka is one of the best players in the world with the ball in his hands, so it’s a pleasure to be on the recipient end of that. He’s going to generate a ton of great looks for me. On the flip side, it was a nightmare trying to guard him and Kyrie. It’s really exciting to be a part of something special here, especially with this team being so close to a huge goal last year. I’m trying to carry that momentum into this season.”

Reporter: When they mentioned having a training camp in Vegas, what came to mind?

Klay: ”Oh, I’ve had so many great memories in this building and on this court. Playing against guys like Kobe, LeBron, and D-Wade back in 2012 for USA Basketball… it’s cool to be back here. Even before that, I played summer league and high school ball, with tons of AAU tournaments in Vegas. So, this city is a part of my story, especially growing up in Southern California. It’s like a dream come true to still be here playing at a high level.”

Reporter: What was dinner like last night (with Mavericks majority owner Miriam Adelson)?

Klay: “Yeah, it was good. It was great to be welcomed into their home, it meant a lot. The food was delicious, and the artwork in that house was really impressive. It was fun to see.”

Reporter: Is there anyone who stood out to you in today’s session?

Klay: ”Naji was incredible. The guy was making floaters, and pull-ups, and just played really well. He even scored a couple of times on me. His jumper was fluid, and his mid-range game was nice. So, yeah, Naji really impressed me today.”

Reporter: What has been the biggest challenge in adjusting to a new team?

Klay: ”The biggest challenge is just not getting down on yourself when you make mistakes. You’re going to make mistakes; the key is to learn from them and try to grasp all the schemes coming your way. But at the end of the day, I’m a hooper, and I’ll adjust accordingly.”

Here’s the full recording on my YouTube channel: