Klay Thompson bristled as the notion that he can’t guard at a high level anymore and is eager to prove skeptics wrong, he told Eddie Sefko of Mavs.com.
“I still want to get rid of that notion that I’m not the same defender I once was,” Thompson said. “I truly believe I am. I’m excited to prove people wrong, that I can still guard the elite players in this league.”
The fact that he’s joined a Mavericks team with two stars in Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic adds to that motivation.
“That’s a big reason why I came here, those two guys,” Thompson said. “(I have) big dreams and aspirations with this team. They were so close last year (reaching the NBA Finals) and I really feel we have everything we need.”
We have more on the Texas teams:
- Reserve guard Jaden Hardy is intent on establishing himself as a rugged defender, he told Grant Afseth of Sportskeeda.com. “Right now, I’m focused on defending the three better, picking up full court, and challenging guys while they bring the ball up,” he said. “I’m also working on being in the right spots on defense, communicating, and bringing energy.” Hardy will be a restricted free agent next summer.
- Spurs big man Zach Collins made his preseason debut on Saturday after recovering from right shoulder surgery. He contributed 11 points in a win over Utah. “Considering (the layoff), I thought he looked really good,” coach Gregg Popovich said, per Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express News. “He boarded. He banged with people. He wasn’t afraid of the shoulder or anything like that.”
- In the same preseason game, Keldon Johnson excelled as the Spurs’ sixth man, pouring in 20 points. Johnson shed 10 pounds during the offseason and believes that has made a difference in his performance level, he told McDonald. “I feel fast, I feel strong,” Johnson said. “Best I felt in a long time.”
This is and has been Klay’s issue. You’re not the same player anymore. Adjust and find your role. Dude chucked shots up last year like he is Steph.
Yeah it’s more sad than anything else. It’s one thing to be driven by competitive spirit, it’s another to be delusional to the point of self sabotage. Frankly I think the mental aspects of the game are underexposed and wonder where we’ll be with it 20, 30 years from now. It’s a shame because it’s really interesting.
Often times the players are the last to know…
Klay needs to understand he is a 20 MPG guy from here on out in his career. He thinks he’s still an all-star. Such a bad choice by Dallas to look at him like he was going to be the answer on this Dallas squad that desperately needs defense.