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.