Klay Thompson Talks Mavericks at Dirk’s Tennis Classic: ‘We Can Do Something Special Here’
Klay Thompson talks joining the Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki’s Tennis Classic, and his plans to bring a championship to Dallas.
DALLAS — Klay Thompson’s arrival in Dallas marks a new chapter in the four-time NBA champion’s career. After his move to the Mavericks, the five-time All-Star quickly found himself immersed in the local culture, beginning with his participation in the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation Tennis Classic.
The event, held on Saturday, at The Banner House at T Bar M in Dallas, brought together notable athletes and celebrities for a day of friendly competition to raise funds for children’s wellbeing, health, and education.
Joining Thompson on the court were former and current Dallas Mavericks players such as Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, and J.J. Barea, alongside tennis pros like Mark Knowles and CoCo Vandeweghe. Even TV personality Dr. Phil participated in the event in front of a vibrant crowd, helping to raise money for a good cause.
“It’s a great opportunity to be a part of this and kind of get myself ingratiated into everything,” Thompson said about the event. “I grew up watching Dirk and Steve [Nash], so I have great respect for those guys. I just wanted to get a feel for the city, and it’s fun to be out here. Tennis is a great sport. I’m just excited to play today and hopefully hit some good shots.”
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Though Thompson joked about needing a little extra time to warm up, he embraced the challenge on the court, soaking in the experience while getting acclimated to his new home city. “I actually haven’t warmed up yet. Give me like 30 minutes. I’m in my 30s now; I can’t just jump like I used to,” he said.
From Golden State to Dallas: Thompson’s Transition
Thompson’s move to Dallas came after a blockbuster six-team trade that sent shockwaves through the NBA. The Mavericks acquired the sharpshooter in a deal that saw Josh Green head to the Charlotte Hornets, with Thompson leaving behind his illustrious career with the Golden State Warriors. While Golden State received Kyle Anderson and Buddy Hield in return, the Mavericks secured a veteran presence who can bring championship experience to a team fresh off a Finals run.
Thompson had an impressive run with the Warriors, contributing to four NBA championships. However, last season marked a shift in his career. In 2023-24, Thompson played 77 games, averaging 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 43.2% from the floor and 38.7% from three-point range. While still one of the league’s best shooters, it was the first time since 2013-14 that Thompson failed to average 20 points per game in a season where he played 70 or more games after falling out of the starting lineup.
After missing two seasons due to injury spanning from 2019 to 2021, Thompson’s performance fluctuated, and his role in Golden State began to change. The Mavericks, in need of additional firepower alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, seized the opportunity to bring in one of the NBA’s premier shooters.
Embracing Mavericks Team Chemistry
Since joining the Mavericks, Thompson has focused on building chemistry with his new teammates, something he views as crucial for long-term success. Before the season’s grind kicks in, Thompson took his teammates on his boat for a trip to one of his favorite spots—Catalina Island—for some much-needed bonding time.
“It’s been a pleasure getting to know the guys,” Thompson shared. “I just wanted to do something nice for them and take them to one of my favorite places—Catalina Island. We had a great crossing; the water was beautiful that day, the sun was out, and it was awesome. We did a lot of fun things, whether it was diving off the boat, riding jet skis, or just swimming to shore. It was such a beautiful day, and I think those moments as teammates are the ones you cherish for life.
"Now it’s go time, so we don’t have as much leisurely time to do that, but I’ll cherish that memory forever,” he continued. “That’s the beauty of being a veteran—trying to show the younger guys another side of life that we don’t get to experience as much once the season starts. So that was really, really fun.”
Finding Inspiration in Mavericks History
Thompson’s move to Dallas has inspired him to reflect on the Mavericks’ past success, particularly their incredible 2011 championship run. Watching footage of the Mavericks’ historic Finals win over the Miami Heat, Thompson found motivation in the way the underdog Mavericks defied the odds to win it all.
“I saw great team chemistry,” Thompson said of the 2011 Finals. “It was an incredible group that persevered through being a low seed and beat some incredibly talented teams—whether it was Kobe’s Lakers, KD’s Thunder, or even the Beatles of Miami. It was a run that was so inspiring, and it was cool to watch that. I’m going to try and replicate that in the upcoming season.”
For Thompson, watching the 2011 Finals wasn’t just about learning the history of his new team—it was a reminder of why he’s in Dallas. “It was just recommended footage. I was like, ‘Man, this is cool. I’m going to check this out.’ I just got to Dallas, and I want to keep this in the back of my mind while I’m out here—why I came here,” he detailed. “And that’s to help uplift the city and try to win. There’s no greater feeling, especially as a sportsman.”
A Fresh Start and High Expectations
As Thompson adjusts to life in Dallas, he’s felt the excitement and support from the local community. The city’s enthusiasm for Mavericks basketball has already had a positive impact on him as he prepares for the season ahead.
“It’s been really cool. Just going around town, meeting random people, and hearing how excited they are for the upcoming season and how grateful they are that I’m here—it motivates me,” Thompson revealed. “Seeing how excited everyone is for Mavs basketball pushes me even harder when I get into the gym.”
Thompson is fully committed to making this chapter of his career with the Mavericks special. “I’m excited; it’s a whole new chapter of my career that has the potential to be really special,” he explained. “The team was so close last year—three wins away from a championship—so I know we have the ingredients for success. We just have to stay together and build week by week. I know we can do something special, and that’s why I’m here early, just to get a feel for the city and the lay of the land. And I’m having fun while doing it.”
With Thompson’s shooting prowess, leadership, and newfound bond with his teammates, the Mavericks are poised for another deep playoff run. As the new season approaches, Thompson’s focus and motivation are clear. "We can do something special here," he said.
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