Mavericks president's bold Klay Thompson take gives fans hope of a Finals run
By Orel Dizon
![Klay Thompson Klay Thompson](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4171,h_2346,x_0,y_17/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/83/01j2v42acq617d4h1s74.jpg)
The Dallas Mavericks have had quite a fruitful offseason. Aside from bringing in a staunch reinforcement in Klay Thompson, they have also added a few more key pieces, including Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes.
The arrival of the four-time champion has the Mavs faithful excited about the team's chances of continuing to be a powerhouse and winning a title again after so long. Having a star with a championship pedigree who appears to be a great fit with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving should only bode well for Dallas' goal of raising banner No. 2.
Of course, Thompson being eagerly on board and even dropping a five-word bombshell to signal his arrival just shows that the squad struck gold with its prized free agent.
Nico Harrison believes Mavericks were a 'Klay Thompson away' from winning Finals
The Mavs are fresh off a trip to the Finals, where they fell flat against the eventual champions, the Boston Celtics. Doncic tried to will his win to as many victories as he could in the series, but Dallas lost via a gentleman's sweep.
While the Slovenian superstar averaged 29.2 points and 5.6 assists per game in the title round, he barely had help. Irving put up 19.8 points per contest but shot just 41.4 percent from the field. No other Mav was able to score more than 10.8 points per game as the team struggled against the Celtics' defense.
However, franchise president Nico Harrison believes Dallas was a "Klay Thompson away" from clinching the title versus Boston.
“It was a no-brainer for us, especially after the finals. We knew we were a Klay Thompson away.”
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 14, 2024
Mavericks GM Nico Harrison on the acquisition of Klay Thompson in the offseason🔥
(via @MavsHighlights)
pic.twitter.com/wRZJEy0OQX
It's hard to disagree with the former Nike executive because Thompson's strengths on the floor would have been useful for the Mavs, especially his ability to hit shots from the perimeter.
Furthermore, his defense would have also helped limit the Celtics' offense. Even though the two-way force has lost a step after being in the league since 2011 and suiting up in 951 regular-season and playoff games, he could have still taken on any of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White on defense.
The Mavs should continue to reign supreme in the Western Conference next season, and Thompson's addition is expected to benefit Doncic, Irving, and the rest of the squad. They should also be able to match up well with whoever they face from the East.
Naturally, some doubters don't believe the roster move would work out well for Dallas.
However, the organization is likely prepared to prove people wrong, as it did in the 2023-24 campaign. Only a few people probably had the Mavs making it to the Finals before last season began, but Harrison's masterful job of assembling the roster and the coaching staff has helped transform the organization into a title contender.
For bringing in Thompson, among many essential decisions, the 51-year-old certainly deserves the multi-year contract extension he received from the franchise.
Catch up on the latest about Klay Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks by staying plugged in.
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