Klay Thompson already feels a sense of “mutual respect” with Luka Doncic as they prepare to join forces on the Dallas Mavericks. Doncic, busy playing for the Slovenian national team when the Mavericks acquired Thompson in a six-team sign-and-trade deal, was thrilled about adding such an accomplished sharpshooter to the team.
After the deal, Doncic and Thompson exchanged texts, both expressing their excitement. “He texted me saying how excited he is, and I relayed the same message back,” Thompson said. “I think there’s definitely a mutual respect there.”
During the Warriors’ 2022 NBA Finals run, Thompson faced Doncic in the Western Conference Finals, which provided insight into Doncic’s potential. The two had a cordial exchange after the Mavericks’ elimination.
“I remember seeing him at the end of the West finals in 2022,” Thompson recalled. “I told him just how much I loved his game, how he really elevates his teammates, and that the sky’s the limit for his ability. I think that resonated well with him, and he was gracious in defeat.”
Thompson is confident that he and Doncic will bring out the best in each other. “I appreciate someone who is not afraid of the moment and competes to the end, and Luka fits that bill,” he added. “I think we’ll be able to bring the best out of each other.”
While watching this year’s NBA Finals, Thompson saw playing with Doncic and the Mavericks as a prime opportunity to help a team with dynamic young talent reach the next level. “I was watching just as a basketball fan. I saw, ‘I could really help this team.’ They’re right there. They might need a few pieces, not big adjustments, just very little ones to get over the top.”
Thompson draws parallels between Dirk Nowitzki’s path to becoming a champion and Doncic’s. Nowitzki lost in the 2006 NBA Finals before ultimately winning in 2011. With Thompson on board, he is confident the Mavericks’ path to becoming champions will be quicker.
“Dirk went through it in his first finals, and Luka did, too,” Thompson said. “We’re knocking on the door, and that’s what really excited me to be here.” With Kyrie Irving in the backcourt, whom Thompson battled against in numerous Finals, there is an intriguing chance to leverage three electrifying talents to lead the team to a second championship in franchise history.