Since deciding to leave the only team he’s ever played for, there’s been much speculation about Klay Thompson’s choice to join the Dallas Mavericks after 13 years with the Golden State Warriors.
Thompson signed a three-year, $50 million contract with the Mavericks, marking the end of his time with the Warriors, where he won four NBA championships and earned five All-Star selections during a dominant era for the franchise. However, the 34-year-old has also faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly two serious leg injuries that sidelined him for 2.5 seasons at the peak of his career.
In a candid moment during an offseason workout with Tristan Jass, Thompson shared the difficulties he’s encountered over the past two years while recovering from a torn ACL and a torn Achilles.
“The last two years were really tough for me because I kept trying to measure myself against my past accomplishments, and I let a lot of negativity creep in, forgetting why I love this game,” Thompson explained.
His determination to return to peak form helped the Warriors win what many consider their most memorable championship in 2022, but it also took a toll on his game and his passion for basketball.
Thompson’s honesty about his struggles sheds light on why he might have sought a fresh start in Dallas. There’s hope that he can redefine himself in this new setting, rather than trying to reclaim his former Warrior self.
During the Mavericks’ media day, Thompson acknowledged that he will need to adjust to playing alongside star players Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Fans are eager to see how he performs in his new role, as the Mavericks hope he can be the key to advancing further after their loss to the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals.
In his final season with the Warriors, Thompson averaged 17.9 points with a three-point shooting percentage of 38.7%, even briefly losing his starting position to rookie guard Brandin Podziemski mid-season.
