The Dallas Mavericks kicked off their 2024-25 season with a highly anticipated Media Day, and the excitement around the team’s offseason additions and goals for the year was palpable.
With Klay Thompson headlining the list of newcomers, a focus on player development, and high expectations after last year’s NBA Finals appearance, there are plenty of storylines to watch as the team heads into training camp.
Here are the key takeaways from Media Day and what to expect in training camp:
Klay Thompson’s Integration and Offensive Adjustments
The Mavericks made a significant splash in the offseason by acquiring Thompson, a four-time NBA champion known for his elite shooting and championship pedigree. However, integrating Thompson into Dallas’ pick-and-roll-heavy offense, which differs significantly from the Golden State Warriors’ motion-based system, will be a key focus during training camp.
Thompson acknowledged that transitioning from the Warriors’ offense to Dallas’ system will take time.
“I’m excited to play with Luka and Kyrie. The spacing they create is unbelievable, and that will definitely help my game,” said Thompson. “But coming from the Warriors’ system, I know it’s going to take some time to adjust.”
Kyrie Irving, who played a pivotal role in bringing Thompson to Dallas, expressed confidence in the impact the sharpshooter will have.
“Klay’s leadership and experience, especially on the championship stage, are invaluable,” Irving said. “I believe our championship dreams are even more possible with him on board.”
Head coach Jason Kidd emphasized the impact Thompson’s shooting will have on the team, comparing him to Mavericks legend Jason Terry, whose shooting helped the team win the 2011 championship.
“Every time Klay lets it go, it feels like it’s going in,” Kidd said. “His presence will open up the floor for everyone else.”
Luka Dončić shared his excitement about playing alongside Thompson, noting that the addition will make the Mavericks’ offense even more dangerous.
“With Klay, you can’t help off him when me or Kyrie have the ball because if you leave him open, he’ll make it,” Dončić said. “That’s going to be key for our spacing.”
After playing some runs together, Thompson also noted that Luka might be the best pick-and-roll player he has ever seen, expressing excitement for the potential of what they can achieve together.
“Luka in the pick-and-roll might be the best I’ve ever seen,” Thompson explained. “So it’s just about finding my spots and figuring out how to contribute within that system.”
Player Development Progress for Young Players
While the focus may be on Dallas’ championship aspirations, the development of young players like Dereck Lively II, Jaden Hardy, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper will be critical to the Mavericks’ success this season.
After an impressive rookie season, Lively is poised to take on a bigger role, particularly on the defensive end. He focused on improving his paint presence and defensive leadership throughout the offseason.
“It’s about covering for everyone’s mistakes,” Lively said. “I’m in the paint, so I’m guiding the team—whether it’s switching out to guard on the perimeter or helping on defense.”
Offensively, Lively focused on improving his paint presence and shooting throughout the offseason. He earned time off after the Finals run, so he didn’t play in Summer League. However, he did plenty of on-court work to grow his game.
“I focused a lot on owning the paint—being as strong as possible,” Lively said. “I’m in the paint, so I’m guiding the team—whether it’s switching out to guard on the perimeter or helping on defense.”
Kidd noted Lively’s shooting development, emphasizing his potential to stretch the floor, saying, “Dereck has been working on his shot, and he has the capability to knock down shots,” Kidd said. “If he can stretch the floor, it opens up so many options for us.”
Lively’s continued development as a rim protector will be crucial as Dallas looks to bolster its interior defense, especially following the departure of Derrick Jones Jr., who the team relied on as a point-of-attack defender against quick guards.
Hardy is entering training camp with a heightened sense of confidence after a strong showing in the playoffs. He’s focused on improving his decision-making and embracing the competition for minutes in a deep backcourt.
“I’ve grown a lot. As last season went on, I felt like I kept getting better, especially when I got an opportunity in the playoffs,” Hardy said. “I’m just ready to get back after it and make the most of the opportunities I get. I’ve been focusing on slowing down and reading the game better.”
Prosper is looking to carve out a role as a defensive disruptor, drawing inspiration from Jones’ impact last season. He spent the offseason working on his defensive game, focusing on rebounding and guarding multiple positions.
“If I can guard, rebound, and do all the little things, I know that will open up everything else,” Prosper said. “I’m ready to be a dog on defense.”
Will Dereck Lively II or Daniel Gafford Start?
One of the most intriguing position battles heading into training camp is the competition for the starting center role between Lively and Daniel Gafford. Kidd noted that both players will have the opportunity to start, and the competition will be healthy for the team. However, Lively will begin camp with the starters.
“There’s definitely a competition between Gafford and Lively, and it’s a healthy one,” Kidd said. “Both guys offer rim protection and can catch lobs. We’ll probably start Lively with the first group in camp and see how that goes, but both will get plenty of opportunities throughout the season.”
The presence of two athletic centers gives Dallas 48 minutes of rim protection, and Kidd emphasized that both players will play significant roles based on matchups and team needs. “It’s like a relay race—when one is off the floor, the other steps in and takes over,” Kidd added.
Lively, eager to continue his development, understands the importance of this battle and looks forward to competing for his role on the team.
Possible Power Forward Competition?
Another position to watch closely during training camp is the power forward spot. While P.J. Washington is expected to play a significant role, his starting job may not be guaranteed. Naji Marshall, known for his toughness and versatility on defense, is a primary competitor for the position and has shown he can contribute effectively.
Washington himself acknowledged the competition in camp and how it will push everyone to be better.
“We’re all hungry to get back to where we were last year, and everyone has a chip on their shoulder,” Washington said. “Coach Kidd has talked to me about being more comfortable bringing the ball up, setting plays, and posting up. The goal is to be able to score at all three levels and make plays. I’m ready to do whatever it takes.”
Marshall expressed his commitment to contributing wherever needed. From his time with the New Orleans Pelicans, he had to do a lot of the dirty work to get minutes.
“It’s all about mentality. You either want to do it or you don’t,” Marshall said. “For me, it’s my livelihood—if I didn’t defend, I wouldn’t be sitting here right now. I’m ready to take on the challenge every time I step on the court.”
Marshall also emphasized his passing ability as a key aspect of his game that can benefit the Mavericks on both ends of the court.
“I’ve always liked getting guys involved, whether it’s in transition or the half court,” Marshall said. “It’s funny—when I was younger, I used to think some players were better than they were, and I’d give them the ball. But it worked out in my favor because I love driving and kicking.”
Washington’s ability to stretch the floor and contribute defensively will be key, but the competition means nothing is set in stone.
“Competition helps us see how we respond, how we play together on the floor,” Washington added. “It pushes everyone.”
Backcourt Depth and Competition
The Mavericks are stacked with talent on the perimeter, with Dončić, Irving, and Thompson as the stars, with Spencer Dinwiddie, Quentin Grimes, Hardy, and Dante Exum all competing for minutes. Kidd emphasized the importance of competition in camp, which will push each player to elevate their game.
“We’ll instigate competition in practice to make everyone better,” Kidd said. “Injuries happen, and you might go from being the third string to starting.”
Dinwiddie, who returned to Dallas this offseason, echoed Kidd’s sentiment and emphasized the importance of adaptability, noting that he’s ready to fill any role necessary to help the team succeed.
“On good teams, it’s all about plugging in where you’re needed,” Dinwiddie said. “Whether that’s scoring, passing, or defending, I’ll do whatever it takes.”
Exum, who is returning from injury, also highlighted the competitive nature of the backcourt and how it will benefit the team.
“I didn’t want anything handed to me,” Exum said. “We all want to earn our minutes, and the competition will only make us better.”
Grimes is ready to continue to provide his regular 3-and-D impact, but sees even greater potential for his impact.
“People know me as a 3-and-D guy, but here, with the unselfishness and freedom in the system, I’ll get to show more of my game, like I did in New York when guys were down or injured,” Grimes explained.
Defensive Adjustments Without Derrick Jones Jr.
The Mavericks will need to make adjustments on the defensive end following the departure of Jones, who was a key perimeter defender for Dallas last season. Kidd noted that while losing Jones is significant, he expects players to step up defensively—even Dončić, Irving, and Thompson.
“Luka, Kyrie, and Klay will all need to step up defensively,” Kidd said. “We’ll need them to guard, and we’ll be relying on our rim protectors and team defense to cover gaps.”
Thompson, a former NBA All-Defensive Team member, also expressed his commitment to contributing on that end of the floor. He acknowledged that although he may not be the lockdown defender he once was, his experience and basketball IQ will play a vital role.
“I may not be the player I was defensively, but I can still position myself well and make smart plays,” Thompson said. “I’m ready to help the team however I can.”
This collective focus on defense will be crucial for the Mavericks as they aim to fill the void left by Jones and strengthen their overall defensive identity. New additions Marshall and Grimes will also be critical in filling the defensive void left by Jones. Marshall, known for his toughness and versatility on defense, expressed his willingness to take on tough assignments.
“It’s all about mentality. You either want to do it or you don’t. It’s simple,” Marshall said. “For me, it’s my livelihood—if I didn’t defend, I wouldn’t be sitting here right now.”
Grimes is motivated to contribute on both ends of the floor and is excited about the defensive challenges that lie ahead.
“Defensively, I’ll take on any matchup—whether it’s the best player, tallest guy, or shortest guy,” Grimes said. “It doesn’t matter. I’m ready to take on that challenge every night.”
Dallas Mavericks Championship Expectations and Leadership
Following last year’s Finals appearance, the Mavericks are entering the season with a championship-or-bust mindset. Dončić, Irving, and Thompson all emphasized the team’s hunger to get back to the Finals and finish what they started.
“Last year wasn’t good enough because we wanted to win it all,” Dončić said. “I’m using that as motivation to get back and win it.”
Irving, who continues to embrace a leadership role, spoke about the importance of staying poised and trusting the process, even when things get tough.
“This season won’t be perfect, but staying poised and trusting each other will be key,” Irving said. “We’re on a championship run, and it’s about believing in that goal.”
Kidd echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that this season is about building on their experience from last year and establishing a strong team identity.
“We have high expectations this season, and it’s important to find our identity as a new group,” Kidd said. “With the talent we have, we should aim for nothing less than a championship.”
Dallas Mavericks Injury Updates and Health Going Into Training Camp
Several players provided positive injury updates during Media Day. Kyrie Irving confirmed that his hand is fully healed, and he’s ready to go after taking time to recover and rest over the summer.
“My hand’s a lot better now,” Irving said. “It was much-needed rest after a long season, and I’m ready to go.”
Dante Exum, who dealt with a finger injury while playing with the Australian national team at the Paris Olympics, also confirmed that he’s fully healthy and ready to compete for minutes in a deep backcourt.
“I’m 100% ready for the season,” Exum said. “I made the most of the opportunities I had, even if it didn’t always show up in the box score.”
Upcoming Dallas Mavericks Training Camp Details
Following Media Day, the Mavericks will conduct training camp at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) from Oct. 1 to Oct. 4, focusing on developing chemistry, implementing strategies, and finalizing rotations ahead of the preseason.
Kidd noted the benefits of training in Las Vegas, which offers a unique environment for team bonding and focus. “Being together outside of Dallas, going to dinners and spending time as a group, helps with chemistry,” Kidd said. “It’s a big part of building the team.”
Dallas will return to Dallas on Oct. 5, just in time for Fan Jam on Oct. 6, where fans will get a chance to see the team in action. Their preseason opener against the Memphis Grizzlies will take place at the American Airlines Center on Oct. 7.
Thompson expressed the importance of the preseason for his adjustment to the Mavericks’ system, saying, “Training camp and the preseason is so important for me to get adjusted to this system.”
The Mavericks will play a total of four preseason games, including three at home. Thompson will get his opportunities to get acclimated to the team, while other matters, including position battles, will play out.
