The departure of Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks was shocking and disappointing. As a result, it put an end to the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty and the Splash Brothers. There is no doubt that Thompson has taken his NBA Championship experience to the city of Dallas, where he would join forces with superstars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in pursuit of an NBA title.
As a result of the new dynamics, former Warriors center Festus Ezeli discussed the impact of Thompson’s departure on ESPN’s NBA Today. Where he highlighted the Warriors’ plays that relied on Klay Thompson and Curry’s synergy, thus highlighting the challenges Golden State will face without him.
You don't get to feel this as a fan but in the locker room, Klay Thompson was such a huge boost for morale because of how low-maintenance he was. The chemistry between Steph and Klay, put them on both sides of the court... it's making the defense go 'Who do I follow? Do I follow the best shooter in the world or the second-best shooter in the world? Festus Ezeli on NBA Today
With the way it happened, his exit left a substantial void for the Warriors, as well as separated him from longtime teammate Steph Curry for the first time since 2012. But Thompson has acclimatized himself with his new teammates and is ready to help win a championship in the city.
Furthermore, the new season will be a transitional and interesting year for both teams as the Mavs are poised to be among the favorites after their disappointing NBA Finals run last season. While for the Warriors it remains to see how they can improve from last season’s disastrous ending.
Klay Thompson bonds with new Mavericks teammates on Catalina Island getaway
To gel as quickly as possible with his new surroundings, Klay Thompson organized a team-building trip to Catalina Island in Los Angeles. The trip was essentially in the bonding process since his move from the Bay Area.
He shared details of the trip while he attended a charity tennis event organized by Mavs legend, Dirk Nowitzki. And as a veteran of the game, his experience would be a boost as the young Mavs squad will need to step up more this season.
It was a pleasure to get to know the guys. I just wanted to do them a good deed, take them to one of my favorite places, being Catalina Island. We had a great crossing… We did a lot of fun things... I think those days, as a teammate, you cherish for life, especially you get to know each other and it was fun. Klay Thompson shared during the Dirk Nowitzki tennis event
Thompson would undoubtedly be the most experienced player on the team in terms of titles won and competed for. As such, with him and superstars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving leading the charge, the Mavs fans are really excited about the new season. The Mavs begin the new season with a home game against the San Antonio Spurs on 24th October.
