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Klay Thompson is stepping into a different kind of spotlight in Dallas.
One of the greatest shooters in NBA history, the 34-year-old guard has already secured his legacy with four championships, five All-Star selections, and two All-NBA honors. Now, with the Mavericks, he’s focused on a new mission: leading a young locker room that’s still finding its identity.
During a recent interview with CBS Texas, Thompson spoke candidly about how he hopes to transition from star player to vocal mentor, Yahoo reports.
“I like to lead by example. I’m a very introverted person, but my new calling now this season is to use my voice, share my experiences with them and my knowledge,” Thompson said.
That sense of responsibility comes at a time when the Mavericks are struggling to find their rhythm.
Thompson Calls Mavericks’ Start ‘Embarrassing’
The Mavericks stumbled out of the gate with back-to-back home losses to the San Antonio Spurs and Washington Wizards. For a team that entered the season with championship aspirations and a deep veteran core, the start was disappointing.
After Dallas’ sluggish showing against Washington, Thompson didn’t mince words.
“We’re all competitive. It’s embarrassing, especially for myself after talking championship preseason, all that,” Thompson told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, per Sports Illustrated. “But I mean, it’s the only thing I play for at this point. So it’s not fun, but there’s only one way out. Stick together and get better and work even harder every day. I know I will, and I know the rest of the guys will. So it’s just a matter of being not patient, but just being relentless in our efforts.”
Thompson’s comments reflect a veteran who knows what it takes to turn early adversity into motivation. His leadership now centers on accountability. For himself and the Mavericks roster that includes young stars like Cooper Flagg.
Mentoring Cooper Flagg
Thompson has made it clear that mentoring Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick and former Duke standout, is a priority. He envisions helping the 18-year-old unlock his potential both as a player and as a professional navigating the demands of the NBA.
“Speaking of Cooper, I googled the other day, who are the NBA Hall of Famers to win a championship ring their rookie season. There’s only been two, Bill Russell and Magic Johnson,” Thompson said. “I like to dream big. So, I was like, Coop, this could be you one day. So, think that, have that goal.”
Thompson continued, praising Flagg’s natural gifts and mindset. “We have a team that can make it happen. And don’t ever limit yourself. I’m very excited for him because he is so talented. He does things you can’t teach, especially from an athletic standpoint. So, sky’s the limit for him. And I’m going to share all my knowledge with him. He’s going to have a long Hall of Fame career. But if he could win in his rookie year, that’d be really cool.”
That mentorship comes at a critical moment for both players. For Thompson, it’s a chance to redefine his career in a leadership role. For Flagg, it’s an opportunity to learn from one of the game’s most respected champions.
Mavericks Finally Get On the Board
After a rough start, the Mavericks earned their first win of the season against the Toronto Raptors. Cooper Flagg scored 22 points and threw down a soaring one-handed dunk during the decisive run that sealed the 139-129 victory.
For Thompson, who called the team’s earlier efforts “embarrassing,” the win offers a small glimpse of what Dallas can be when the group plays to its potential. His words before and after the game make it clear: this season is as much about setting a standard as it is about chasing a title.
Burtland Dixon Burtland Dixon is a sports journalist covering the NBA and athlete culture for Heavy.com. A former Division II athlete turned journalist, he offers a unique blend of locker room perspective and storytelling expertise. He has more than eight years of experience in digital media and previously served as an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints, with additional bylines at Idolator, Trend Chaser, and Buzznet. Burtland is based between California and New York. More about Burtland Dixon
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