The Dallas Mavericks made one of the NBA offseason’s highest-profile additions, landing veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson in free agency. According to Thompson’s former teammate Festus Ezeli, a reinvigorated version of the four-time NBA champion will make Dallas the 2025 Western Conference favorites.
The Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving-led Mavericks made a surprise NBA Finals run as a fifth seed (50-32) last season. However, they struggled to match up against the Eastern Conference powerhouse Boston Celtics in the championship round, falling in five games.Following Dallas’ deep playoff run, the franchise was active this summer, retooling its roster around its superstar duo. That includes acquiring Thompson on a three-year, $50 million contract via a sign-and-trade deal with the Golden State Warriors.
The Mavericks also added role players Spencer Dinwiddie, Quentin Grimes and Naji Marshall, replacing Derrick Jones Jr., Tim Hardaway Jr. and Josh Green.
Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.While Dallas lost arguably its top defender in Jones, many consider the team’s offseason a success, citing its improved offensive firepower.That includes Ezeli, who raved about the Mavericks’ Thompson addition on ESPN’s “NBA Today” Wednesday. The one-time Warriors champion highlighted his ex-teammate’s motivation to prove his doubters wrong in his first season away from Golden State.
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“I will say the Mavs with Klay Thompson in the lineup are gonna be the best team in the West,” Ezeli said.
“… I know the Minnesota Timberwolves and OKC Thunder are gonna have a lot to say about this as well, but I think you’re replacing a little bit of defense with more shooting by adding Klay Thompson into the lineup. I’ve told you about what he brings on the court, but his chemistry and morale are gonna be boosted because of this.”
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Thompson is coming off a down offensive year, averaging his fewest points per game (17.9) since his sophomore season (2012-13). He also shot under 40.0% from 3-point range (38.7%) for only the second time in his career.At age 34 with an extensive injury history, Thompson’s deal may be a gamble for Dallas. However, if the five-time All-Star has a bounce-back campaign, he could be the reliable tertiary scoring option the team lacked last season.
Also Read: “I will cherish that memory forever”: Klay Thompson opens up on memorable team bonding experience during “fun” Catalina Island trip
Kendrick Perkins pushes back on Festus Ezeli’s bold Klay Thompson-centered Mavericks prediction
Festus Ezeli may be confident in Klay Thompson’s ability to swing Dallas’ title odds. However, one-time NBA champion Kendrick Perkins later pushed back on his bold take.
According to Perkins, Thompson will likely help the Mavericks position themselves among the West’s top three teams. However, he expressed concern about the squad’s ability to hold up defensively.
“I just have a problem with looking at the Dallas Mavericks and wondering who is gonna guard that’s out there,” Perkins said. “If they’re gonna start Klay Thompson, Kyrie Irving and Luka, who are gonna be their defenders to stop the other guys?”
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Perkins added that Dallas’ top players will have to make offensive “sacrifices” to ensure everyone gets enough touches.Time will tell whether the Mavericks’ new pieces mesh with their existing roster. Nevertheless, their front office appears motivated to continue building upon last season’s finals run.
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