Klay Thompson’s fit in Jason Kidd’s system with the Dallas Mavericks has been an interesting topic in the offseason. For the first time in his career, Thompson would be playing on a team without Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
Instead, ‘Killa Klay’ would be in the same uniform as Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. How Kidd would utilize the sharpshooting Thompson in a guard-heavy starting unit is anybody’s guess.
The Mavericks would have to come up with something different to maximize Thompson’s value. Getting the right scheme will benefit not just the former Warrior, but also Doncic and Irving.
Mark Cuban, who still has operational control of the Mavericks despite selling majority ownership, has an update. In the Roommates Show, Cuban gave New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson a clue about the Mavs’ plan for Klay Thompson.
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“At Golden State, he had to always be on the move. They had that motion offense where he was always coming off screens and running. We don’t do that or not nearly as much.
“I’m sure we’ll run some of that action for him, but just standing in the corner, standing in the wings and just catch-and-shoot from Luka [Doncic] and Ky [Irving]. Hopefully, his life is gonna get easier.”
Steve Kerr’s motion offense in Golden State made it tough for opponents to cover Thompson and Steph Curry. Because of their movements and screens from teammates, defenses had to be consistently in sync. A miscommunication could result in one of the Splash Bros. punishing opponents with a 3-pointer.
Jason Kidd’s system in Dallas doesn’t follow Kerr’s blueprint. Kidd usually allows Luka Doncic to dictate everything.
Doncic could call for a screen, execute a pick and roll, or do whatever he wants to beat defenses. Mark Cuban sees Klay Thompson spotting up for long-range shots instead of running all over the floor.
How Kidd will utilize Thompson around Doncic and Irving will be one of the biggest storylines to watch in Dallas.
Defense could be an issue for the Mavericks with Klay Thompson, Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic on the floor
The offense might not be a big concern for the Dallas Mavericks following the acquisition of Klay Thompson. With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving handling the offense, the Mavericks should be able to generate points, or at least consistently get good possessions.
The problem might be on the defensive end as Thompson is essentially replacing Derrick Jones Jr.
With Jones in the lineup, Kidd had the luxury of using a lengthy wing who wouldn’t mind doing the dirty work. In the playoffs last season, Jones took on the unenviable task of guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter players.
Without Jones, Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson would have to step up defensively. The Boston Celtics relentlessly attacked Doncic in the NBA Finals, forcing Kidd to adjust his coverage. Teams now have Thompson as another player they could take advantage of on defense.
When Steve Kerr benched Klay Thompson for then-rookie Brandin Podziemski, the Warriors coach emphasized Podziemski’s two-way impact. When Thompson struggles with his shots, Kidd might find it tough to keep him on the floor.
Dallas Mavericks fans can’t wait for the season to start to see if the Thompson trade was a good move.
