Former Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Terry recently commented on Klay Thompson wearing his iconic No. 31 jersey for the Mavericks. On Thursday, Terry, 47, coached the Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz preseason game at the American Airlines Center. Despite coaching on the Jazz’s sidelines, he was a familiar face in Dallas.
Terry has served as an assistant coach for the Jazz since 2022. For the first time since 2012, another Mavericks player — Klay Thompson — wore Terry’s No. 31. Read on for further details surrounding Terry’s recent comments about Thompson.
Jason Terry’s Recent Klay Thompson Comments
Klay Thompson reportedly chose to wear the iconic No. 31 jersey this offseason to pay respects to Reggie Miller and Jason Terry, also known as “The Jet. “ Miller, 59, and Terry were Thompson’s idols growing up. Thompson signed with the Dallas Mavericks in July 2024, but Kyrie Irving was already wearing the No. 11.
Even Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd compared Thompson to Miller, as the team hasn’t had a high-caliber shooter in a long time. Thompson arguably isn’t in his prime, but as a veteran sharpshooter, he can still bring something to the Mavericks’ table.
Terry was recently asked about Thompson’s choice of No. 31. Terry’s response was rather long-winded, as he included that Thompson owed him something for choosing his former number as one of the newest Mavericks players in Dallas.
Terry told Sports Illustrated, “The fact he got the headband on, too, I’m elated … All I said is all he owes me is to make some shots. That’s it. Do the number right, that’s it. Make some shots. And he’ll do it. I think he’s going to play with a lot to prove. He did some great things, historical things with Golden State, and he’s looking to turn a page and go to another chapter and make another mark on his legacy here with Dallas.”
There’s a Catch for Klay Thompson
Jason Terry enjoyed seeing Klay Thompson wear his No. 31 jersey and headband, but there was a catch for Thompson. On Thursday, Terry told reporters that he wanted Thompson to make some shots and play with much to prove, especially after Thompson’s disastrous final few years with the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco.
It’s unclear if Thompson heard Terry’s words, but Thompson reportedly wants to bring an NBA championship to Dallas as Terry did in the past. The only arguable difference was that Terry was arguably the second-best player on the Mavericks’ roster in 2011.
Klay Thompson’s Stint in Dallas So Far
Klay Thompson hasn’t played in a regular-season game for the Dallas Mavericks yet. Thompson has impressed the public with his stint in Dallas so far. He made his preseason debut on Thursday. He finished with 10 points, shot 3-for-5 from the arc, and played arguably good defense.
Thompson admitted to the media that Thursday night’s preseason game between the Mavericks and Jazz was the “most nervous” he had been since the 2015 NBA Finals. He added that he just needed to get “some games under his belt” in Dallas. We’ll see if Thompson’s success will transfer into the regular season.
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