Klay Thompson gets brutally honest about why he joined Mavericks
By Will Miller
![Dallas Mavericks, Klay Thompson, Luka Doncic Dallas Mavericks, Klay Thompson, Luka Doncic](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5334,h_3000,x_0,y_57/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/83/01j2e823yckxhkqp2gxp.jpg)
It was an exciting scene at the Dallas Mavericks practice facility yesterday morning, as the Mavericks introduced Naji Marshall, Quentin Grimes, and Klay Thompson to the media for the first time. Coming off of a run to the NBA Finals, every player that was newly introduced for Dallas reciprocated the sentiment that they want to help this team win a championship this coming season, so it’s good to see these new guys already being dialed in on the main mission.
The main reason for such an elevated level of excitement in the building was certainly the fact that Thompson was making his debut at the podium to the Dallas media, as Thompson is probably the most highly touted free agent target that the Mavericks have ever acquired in their franchise history.
Thompson was all smiles at his introduction press conference as he was displaying his new No. 31 jersey, as he even compared himself to former Maverick Jason Terry who also wore No. 31, saying that he wants to have a similar impact to what Terry did to help Dallas win a championship.
Klay Thompson gets brutally honest about why he joined Mavericks
This was something that Mavericks fans couldn’t be happier to hear after all of Dallas’ free agency failures in past years, as the Mavericks have become an attractive organization for other player that is spearheaded by Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and some very high-level young role players.
While Thompson mostly talked about how excited he is to be a Maverick, he did dive into part of the reason why he left the Golden State Warriors. Thompson detailed that "there was times last year it was really tough," when asked if he had lost some of the joy of playing the game, and said coming to the Mavs he feels "wanted again."
Thompson talked about how last year wasn't as joyful as prior years and continued to emphasize that he is ready for a fresh start in Dallas to "rejuvenate" himself. His time in Golden State didn't seem to end the way that he wanted, but him deciding to sign with the Mavs is something he is extremely excited about.
This 180 that Dallas has pulled compared to previous years is the reason Thompson signed with the team, as Thompson cited Dallas’ style of play, their young talent, the world-class treatment that they give their players, as well as how beautiful of a city Dallas is as reasons that he signed with the Mavericks.
Klay Thompson on why he picked the Mavericks: "Dallas was so attractive because of the young players they have, the style of play, the world-class treatment these players get from the organization, and a beautiful city that loves their hoops..."
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) July 9, 2024
Thompson’s reasoning for coming to Dallas also has to do with Kyrie Irving recruiting him to come play here, as Irving and Mavericks’ President of Basketball Operations Nico Harrison have done a great job of attracting players to come play in Dallas through their player-first approach.
Klay Thompson getting shots up at the Dallas Mavericks practice facility in his Mavs gear.
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) July 9, 2024
Can October get here already?
pic.twitter.com/tVzkTnV4Cz
What seemed like something that would’ve been an alternate reality just a few months ago has now come into fruition in full effect with Thompson officially landing in Dallas and getting to work at the Mavs practice facility, as Thompson’s decision to come to Dallas speaks volumes to how much better of a position the Mavericks are in than ever before.
For more on Klay Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks, stay tuned as we will have you covered.
manual