Klay Thompson Certainly Didn't Look Washed Up As He Set A Mavs Franchise Record For Threes In A Debut
Every year after free agency, there are always a few players who join new teams that your brain isn't used to seeing in a new jersey. Things just look weird, and it takes a few weeks and games for you to get used to it. This year, for me that's Chris Paul in a Spurs jersey and most definitely Klay Thompson in a Mavs jersey. We at least have seen CP3 rock a handful of jerseys during his career, but for Klay seeing as how he spent his entire career as a Warrior up until now, it's going to take some time for that to eventually not look and feel a little off.
The Mavs signed him of course because they know what we all saw during the NBA Finals. They need more consistent outside shooting. In today's NBA and playing next to Luka and Kyrie who command so much defensive attention, having consistent elite outside shooting for all those wide open C&S opportunities is a must. They didn't have it in the Finals and they simply couldn't keep pace with the Celtics shooting. Not their fault, plenty of teams run into that issue, but the hope is that Klay can fill that void while also turning back the clock and bringing something defensively as well.
Given what we saw from Klay in his final game as a Warrior (0-10, 0-6), there are some out there that feel as though he's a cooked product. A once great shooter and 1x All NBA Defender was washed. Well, seeing as how he just set a Mavs record for 3P makes in a debut, I'd say he looked pretty damn good
Yes, we have to do the obligatory "this was against the Spurs", but let's be fair here. If Klay had struggled, the internet would have eaten him alive. So it's only right that we give him his credit when he comes out and looks like the same old Klay Thompson. This performance tonight is really all the Mavs are going to be asking of him. Get to your spots, find space, and shoot it with confidence. People forget, Klay did shoot 38.7% from three on 9.0 3PA a game last year and 41% on 10.6 3PA a game in 2022-23. Sometimes your time has simply run out on your current team and you need a new situation. Why can't that be the case here with Klay and the Mavs?
At the very least, getting this version of Klay for an entire season would make things pretty fun in the West. Without it, I'm not sure the Mavs have enough to get back to the Finals. But if they get the ideal scenario and things work out on both ends exactly how the Mavs hoped? Well then things get a little more interesting. As someone rooting for a competitive NBA season filled with drama, I'd love to see that happen and the West be an absolute bloodbath.
It also has to feel great for Klay to have a night like this for a debut. I can only imagine he was nervous as hell and you always want to make a first great impression at your new job. We've all been there at some point, and I'd say making some franchise history is a decent way to kick things off.