The Dallas Mavericks are preparing for a deep playoff run after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign in which they missed the postseason.
The Mavericks have retooled their roster since last summer, when the team acquired Klay Thompson through a sign-and-trade deal with the Golden State Warriors. The sharpshooter will be surrounded by Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and Dereck Lively II as Dallas looks to prove its doubters wrong after trading Luka Doncic last season.
With a star-studded lineup and improved outlook, the Mavericks have the tools to compete in the West, and Thompson could be a major factor in their success.
Klay Thompson earns top-5 ranking in SG list
Zach Harper of The Athletic recently compiled a list of the NBA’s 40 best shooting guards entering the 2025-26 campaign, with an aging Thompson landing at No. 5.
“I struggled with [Bradley] Beal and [Zach] LaVine in the second tier versus the third tier because they don’t seem to have the same punch they once had. You could also argue that for Thompson on some level, too,” Harper wrote. “[Desmond] Bane was the only guy I felt confident still belonged in that tier. The other three got the benefit of the doubt because of their résumés, but I still think there can be a monster takeover from any of them.”
MORE: Mavericks receive positive offseason evaluation with Cooper Flagg-led revamp
Thompson is coming off arguably one of the least productive seasons of his career, during which he averaged 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.0 three-pointers and 2.0 assists across 27.3 minutes per game in 72 regular-season appearances. He also shot a career-worst 41.2 percent from the field, though he remained efficient from beyond the arc.
While Thompson’s best days are behind him, he can still contribute to a contending team as a third or fourth offensive option. The 35-year-old delivered 16 performances with at least 20 points last regular season, showing he’s still capable of big scoring nights.
Flagg’s arrival could mean fewer opportunities for Thompson, but he remains one of the league’s most decorated shooters.
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