Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is going into his first coaching season without Klay Thompson as the club legend left the team after 13 seasons to join the Dallas Mavericks. In an interview with the San Francisco Standard, Kerr endorsed Klay's move to the Mavs and stressed the value of a fresh start for Thompson.
“I think by the end of the year, I think Klay knew for his own sake that he wanted to leave. I’m happy for him. I really think this will be a great move. He’s going to play for a great team with two high-level creators [Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving]. You should get a lot of wide-open shots. I think sometimes a career change, a late-career change, can refresh and recharge you."
"I’m hoping Klay can move on from the injuries psychologically and emotionally, which I think he struggled to do here, frankly. I think a fresh start is great for him. I think it could be good for us.”
Klay has had a really tough few years in the NBA. He suffered back-to-back ACL and Achilles tears, keeping him off an NBA court from 2019 to 2022. While he won a title within months of returning from his career-threatening injuries, the true extent of his regression became visible in the following seasons as the Warriors underachieved.
He averaged 17.9 points on 38.7% from three in 2023-24, his worst year in the NBA since his rookie season. Those are elite numbers for a role-player and solid numbers for a third star, but Klay was still viewing himself as Stephen Curry's co-star and struggled to adapt his role as he lost his starting position.
Instead of trying to move forwards with the baggage of his hardships on the Warriors, Thompson has sought out a new challenge on the Mavericks where he'll be a defined third option behind last year's scoring leader Luka Doncic and the mercurial Kyrie Irving.
Klay Thompson Opened Up On Needing A Change Of Scenery
In his introductory press conference on the Mavericks, Klay made it clear that he wanted a change of scenery which prompted this move and has left him re-energized.
"Well, I mean, whether you play basketball or work in the corporate world or whatever industry sometimes change just can spur greatness and a new change of scenery can do wonders."
"I just felt like you know moving on could just re-energize me and do something special for the rest of my career and Dallas was so attractive because of the young players they have, the style of play, the you know world-class treatment these players get from this organization and just a beautiful city who loves their hoops."
There is a lot of excitement for the reigning Western Conference champions after this summer, as Klay joins the team alongside Quentin Grimes and Naji Marshall.
The only issue that could creep up for the Mavericks come defensively with a starting five featuring Doncic, Irving, and Klay. Luka will have to step up defensively against power forwards and use his burly 6'7" frame to be a challenge instead of being a slow-footed perimeter guard. Kyrie and Klay will not consistent defensively but need to be good enough to justify the offset.
Regardless, the bench is full of strong defenders which gives Jason Kidd the versatility he needs to maximize their chances next season.
