Klay details the biggest Warriors-to-Mavericks system adjustments originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
After spending 13 years with one team, it will take some time for Klay Thompson to adjust to a new offense with the Dallas Mavericks.
The former Warriors guard is acclimating to his new team after signing three-year, $50 million contract with Dallas this offseason and speaking to reporters at Mavericks Media Day on Monday, Thompson was asked what he anticipates will be the biggest adjustments for him during training camp and early in the 2024-25 NBA season.
“I think from an Xs and Os standpoint, I have to adjust to such good creators,” Thompson said. “In Golden State, it was a very motion-based offense. Just being able to play with Luka [Dončić] the last few days, his ability in the pick and roll is possibly the best I’ve ever seen. It’s going to be fun playing him in those sets because he draws so much attention and he gets so many open looks from the perimeter, so I’ll be there to knock them down.
“I think it’s going to take a few weeks just to get used to this new system, but luckily opener isn’t until the 22nd I think, so this pre-season might be the most important I’ve had in so many years.. .I know I’m a hunter and I can adapt accordingly and I’m looking forward to doing that.”
Thompson, who averaged more possessions (5.6) and points (6.2) off screens per game during the 2023-24 season than the entire Mavericks team combined (3.6 possessions, 3.2 points), offers Dallas a unique offensive weapon but he knows that he will have to adjust to the system in place that runs through Dončić.
“That’s exciting. It kind of adds a whole new dimension to our team to be able to have a player like me who can pull the defense just by cutting through the lane or using an off-ball screen, pindown and bringing two defenders with him,” Thompson added. “But I know I’m obviously going to have to adjust to Luka, Luka is the system, he’s an MVP front-runner and that’s a huge reason why I came here, to help alleviate some of the pressure that he deals with on a nightly basis, the defenses which he sees.”
Thompson, a four-time NBA champion, five-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA player has seen it all during his Hall of Fame career and should have no problems acclimating to his new system.
And he’ll have plenty of time to do so before facing the Warriors for the first time on Nov. 12 at Chase Center.
