The Dallas Mavericks’ season opener towards the San Antonio Spurs carried additional weight, with all eyes mounted on Klay Thompson in his Mavs debut.
After exhibiting combined kind in preseason, anticipation constructed round his partnership with Luka Doncic.
Following Thompson’s first recreation with Dallas, NBA analyst Charles Barkley shared his candid ideas concerning the former Golden State Warriors star.
“He was one of the best two-guard within the NBA for a span of x-amount of years. Offensively and defensively. He’s a future first-ballot Corridor of Famer. All people likes Klay Thompson, however no participant will get higher with age. Let’s cease that. He acquired the 2 dangerous breaks with the ACL and the Achilles, and that’s the rationale the Warriors needed to maneuver on; he’s not the identical participant,” Barkley mentioned, by way of NBA on TNT.
“All people likes Klay Thompson, however no participant will get higher with age” ⌛
Chuck offers his tackle the long run corridor of famer 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/dmbMhwJ3QX
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) October 24, 2024
Regardless of Barkley’s skepticism about Thompson’s capacity to assist the Mavericks attain consecutive NBA Finals, the veteran shooter silenced his critics on opening evening.
When his signing was introduced this offseason, skeptics recommended Naji Marshall deserved the beginning spot as a substitute, questioning Thompson’s defensive capabilities alongside Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Thompson’s efficiency, nevertheless, advised a unique story. He confirmed coach Jason Kidd his price on powerful defensive assignments, a vital asset for Dallas shifting ahead.
Whereas his taking pictures contact stays elite, it’s his positioning and defensive dedication that has pleasantly shocked many.
If his first recreation is any indication, these early issues may fade because the season unfolds.
So long as Thompson maintains this degree of two-way play, Mavericks followers have each purpose to be optimistic about their new addition.
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