Monday was media day for the Dallas Mavericks. Fans got their first look at the Mavericks’ new additions while getting new statements from the Mavericks stars, such as the talented duo of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, just to name a few.
Irving, 32, and Doncic, 25, reacted to the Mavericks’ new addition of Klay Thompson, who was arguably the biggest acquisition of the 2024 NBA offseason. Thompson, 34, is a four-time NBA champion. Read on for further details surrounding Irving and Doncic’s reaction.
Luka Doncic’s Reaction
Luka Doncic’s reaction to the Dallas Mavericks’ addition of Klay Thompson to the roster was short and sweet. Doncic’s initial reaction to the Mavericks’ addition of Thompson was excitement, according to various sources who covered the team this offseason. Doncic commented on his first reaction to the addition of Thompson, “Unbelievable. He’s a four-time champion, he’s an amazing player, so I was very excited that he signed with us. I can’t wait to play with him.”
Doncic also responded to a question about what Thompson will add to the Mavericks offense, “You basically can’t help off him. When me and [Kyrie] have the ball, you basically can’t help from Klay because if you leave him wide open he’s going to make it, so I think the spacing is going to be crucial for us.”
Based on Doncic’s recent comments and responses, it’s safe to say the Mavericks star point guard is happy to have Thompson in Dallas. Thompson’s reported want for a change of scenery can help him, as long as he stays healthy and shoots consistently well in the upcoming season.
Irving’s Reaction
Kyrie Irving’s reaction to the Dallas Mavericks’ addition of Klay Thompson was excited, to put it mildly. Irving reportedly played a significant role in recruiting Thompson to the Mavericks. He added that his own time in Dallas helped him a lot. Irving told the local and national media:
“If you ask any of us, we feel like we got better as a team. It’s easy to… convince Klay to come here because of what I have experienced thus far in the past year and a half of just being welcomed and embraced… This team does a great job of protecting you, not just on the court but off the court. They go out of their way to make sure you feel special… Being here in Dallas gave him an outsider’s view of what it could be like for him. I’m excited he decided to come here… I feel like our dreams can be possible because he’s here now. He’s added some great value to our championship aspirations.”
Only time will tell, but Irving’s ability to convince Thompson to come to Dallas can be described as magical, and the Mavericks can benefit from having Thompson playing alongside Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, arguably the best backcourt in the NBA.
Mark Cuban’s Expectations
Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban’s expectations for Klay Thompson are rather realistic. Cuban recently revealed his persuasive tactics that proved instrumental in luring Thompson to Dallas, along with his expectations for Thompson’s inaugural season with the Mavericks. Cuban said on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast, “It takes somebody special, somebody with confidence in themselves, ambition, and something to prove … Klay has a lot to prove, which is great because those are the kind of guys you want on your squad. They’re going to work harder than ever to prove people wrong.”
Cuban added, “I think Klay was ready for a move … After the criticism he faced last year, especially with how things ended in (Golden State), the timing felt right.” Cuban appeared to understand Thompson’s struggles and desire to leave the Golden State Warriors and the Bay Area. Cuban’s ability to secure Thompson’s commitment as a free agent can also be credited to Kyrie Irving, Head Coach Jason Kidd, and General Manager Nico Harrison, all of whom reportedly feel positive vibes.
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