Mavericks can't rely on Klay Thompson to be a difference-maker in one crucial area

The Dallas Mavericks acquired Klay Thompson in a historic offseason sign-and-trade. It cost the franchise Josh Green and two second-round draft picks to get one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. The Splash Brothers are no more, and Thompson figures to play a key role in Dallas. Mark Cuban loves Klay’s fit, but it may not be perfect.

Thompson will make life easier for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Defenders are not leaving Klay open beyond the arc, and the veteran is no stranger to making tough shots. Thompson brings championship experience and gives the Mavs another elite scorer. Good luck stopping them, but things may be different on the other end of the floor.

Landing Klay and Naji Marshall meant letting Derrick Jones Jr. walk in free agency. Losing their primary on-ball defender was not ideal, and the Mavericks cannot expect Thompson to fill that role. The 34-year-old made second-team All-Defense in 2019, but he is no longer that player.

Mavericks cannot expect Klay Thompson to be their on-ball stopper

Thompson has not been the same defender since missing back-to-back seasons with a torn ACL and Achilles. The 34-year-old has lost lateral quickness and can no longer be tasked with guarding the opposition’s best ball-handler. Klay is best suited guarding threes and fours at this stage. He spent the most time last season on Jalen Williams, Aaron Gordon, Kevin Durant, Harrison Barnes, and Spencer Dinwiddie.

Thompson produced the third-worst defensive win shares of his career in 2024. Dallas cannot expect him to replace Derrick Jones Jr. as the on-ball stopper, but not having Klay guard at the point of attack creates a problem for the franchise.

If the Mavericks plan to start Luka, Kyrie, Klay, P.J. Washington, and one of their centers, they will be forced to rely on Thompson or Washington to take the toughest matchups. Both are better at guarding forwards at this stage, which may force Kyrie to try to contain the point of attack. It is a massive ask for either player and head coach Jason Kidd may eventually change things up to find a more cohesive defensive unit.

Klay Thompson offers plenty. He will improve their floor spacing, 3-point percentage, and offense. The 34-year-old is an absolute bucket, but his defensive contributions may determine the success of his Mavs’ tenure. The sharpshooter has lost a step, but can still help the team get stops. Coach Kidd and Dallas must put him in a position to succeed, which may only be possible if the Mavs acquire a true on-ball stopper.

The Dallas Mavericks are ecstatic to have Klay Thompson on their roster. It was a small price to pay for a future Hall of Famer, but can the 6’6 wing get his fifth championship ring in Big D? That is the plan. It will be easier said than done but do not rule anything out. Klay could be the missing piece, especially if the Mavs can quickly sort out this defensive issue.