Klay Thompson Eager to Join Forces with D’Angelo Russell as Mavericks Pursue Playoff Aspirations
Klay Thompson is ready to embrace a new chapter with the Dallas Mavericks, and this time, he’s thrilled about teaming up with D’Angelo Russell. The two players share a history that never quite materialized in Golden State, but now they have a chance to make their mark together in Dallas.
A New Beginning in Dallas
Entering his second season with the Mavericks, Thompson is focused on achieving postseason success—something that slipped through the team’s fingers last year due to a combination of injuries and unfavorable trades. The Mavericks made a strategic move this offseason by signing Russell, who is set to step into the starting point guard role until Kyrie Irving returns to full health.
Thompson’s excitement over Russell’s arrival is palpable. Reflecting on their missed opportunity to play together in the past, he remarked, “First thing when I heard we signed him, I was excited. It’s like, man, we missed the opportunity to play with each other. And here it is, a full circle moment.”
A Seasoned Veteran Joins the Ranks
Thompson’s respect for Russell runs deep. He acknowledges that the young guard has matured significantly since being drafted second overall in 2015. “D’Angelo is a seasoned vet now, which is crazy. I remember when he was selected number one or two. Now he’s eleven years in. Wow. Time flies,” Thompson stated, highlighting the evolution of Russell’s game.
Their brief time together on the Warriors during the 2019-20 season was marked by Thompson’s unfortunate ACL injury, which sidelined him for the entire year. This meant that, despite Russell’s arrival via a sign-and-trade in the wake of Kevin Durant’s departure to Brooklyn, the two never shared the court in a competitive setting.
Anticipating On-Court Chemistry
Thompson recently had the opportunity to share the floor with Russell during summer pickup games in Miami and back home. Their chemistry was evident, and Thompson is excited about what they can achieve together in the upcoming season. “He’s such a great floor general. He sees the game ahead of everybody else, and he’s a very underrated playmaker. So I’m excited to play with a guard of D-Lo’s caliber,” he noted, emphasizing Russell’s vision and playmaking skills.
As the Mavericks gear up for the new season, the partnership between Thompson and Russell could be pivotal. With both players bringing their own unique strengths to the table, Dallas fans are eager to see how this duo will work together as they chase after a playoff berth.
