Mavericks' next unexpected dynamic duo is secretly forming before training camp

While Dallas Mavericks fans will likely have to wait till training camp and preseason are over to see Jason Kidd's preferred starting lineup on day one, there's been widespread questioning amongst Mavericks fans in regard to whether Klay Thompson or P.J. Washington will earn a starting role, especially after Washington signed a four-year $89 million contract extension a couple of weeks ago.

Given Dallas' need for a primary creator with Kyrie Irving out of the lineup, it's almost certain newly-signed guard D'Angelo Russell will be the starting point guard out of the gate, and while it's no guarantee Thompson starts alongside Russell, the two are poised to form a fluid offensive duo whether Thompson is starting or comes off the bench in a sixth-man role.

On a recent episode of Russell's personal podcast, "The Backyard Podcast", he went into detail on his excitement to join the Mavericks as well as multiple players on the roster who he already has pre-existing relationships with, but he raved the most about Thompson, as the two were able to form chemistry on the court together during an offseason workout this summer.

Thompson and Russell's chemistry will unlock a dangerous backcourt duo

"But Klay, I can't wait to play with (expletive) Klay, that (expletive) like 2K to me," Russell said on "The Backyard Podcast". "Dallas just made itself known, and I remember I was like, I'm going to go play open gym, they said Klay's gonna be there, I'm like aw (expletive) yeah. Like before the workout, I was like, I'm on Klay's team, like we didn't get to play with each other in Golden State, he knows."

Russell continued, "I know what you're gonna do for my game, but for you to know what I'm gonna do for your game, bro we're locked, like what?" Russell went on to elaborate that he was finding Thompson for plenty of open looks during their scrimmage action, even finding Thompson in spots where Thompson was open, but wasn't expecting the ball because of the degree of difficulty on some of the passes Russell was finding him on.

While there will be obvious defensive concerns with a 35-year-old Thompson playing alongside Russell, the fact that these two are already establishing chemistry and spacing on the offensive end is a huge plus, and it's clear Russell is itching to play with Thompson after they weren't able to play together in Golden State because of Thompson being hurt.

There are plenty of opportunities for these two to thrive, considering Russell's ability to thread the needle and throw cross-court passes, as he'll be finding Thompson in rhythm when Thompson is coming off pin-down and flare actions. Something the Mavericks could experiment with more this season is working Thompson downhill off curl actions around the nail, as they saw success with this plenty of times toward the end of last season, and Russell could be the one initiating these actions.

The biggest win of Thompson and Russell getting to play together is that mistakes will be made less often between them once training camp and preseason begin, as they've already gotten to iron out each other's tendencies from having worked out together this summer before the whole squad fully got together at any point. They are both savvy veterans already, and this experience together will make things even more seamless between them once game action resumes, whether Thompson is starting or not.