Klay Thompson’s first full season away from the Golden State Warriors hasn’t gone as planned. When he joined the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 offseason, hopes were high that he could help elevate the franchise with Luka Doncic leading the way.
However, a major offseason trade that saw Doncic sent to the Los Angeles Lakers completely changed the direction the Mavs were going. It didn’t help that Kyrie Irving suffered a season-ending ACL tear, and Anthony Davis—the main player they got in the Doncic deal—missed a ton of games due to an adductor injury.
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As a result, the Mavericks ended up in the NBA Play-In Tournament, finishing the season with a 39-43 record for the No. 10 seed.
It certainly wasn’t the kind of year Thompson was hoping after he joined a Mavs team that was just in the NBA Finals a year ago.
Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson looks on after a game.Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Individually, however, Thompson is pretty happy with what he has done. While it’s not really the best campaign for him, he believes there are some positives.
“I’d give it a B,” Thompson said when asked how he would grade his season individually, per Joey Mistretta of ClutchPoints.
“I thought I shot the ball decent, nearly 40 percent from 3. But I’m really grateful to play in 72 games and be a consistent presence in the lineup. That’s something I can really hang my hat on.”
As the Mavericks prepare for the NBA Play-In Tournament on Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings, they will need Klay Thompson to be at his best and show his ability to step up when it matters most.
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After all, the Mavericks must win two road games—against the Kings and the loser of the Memphis Grizzlies-Golden State Warriors showdown—to secure the No. 8 seed and the final playoff spot.
Should the Mavericks make it to the postseason, perhaps Thompson will have a better assessment of his year.
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